Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Saturday, December 9, 2006

Mark 4:35-41 (NRSV)

Read Mark 4:35-41 on biblegateway.com

Verse 35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." Verse 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. Verse 37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. Verse 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Verse 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. Verse 40He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Verse 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Devotion

The world is a frightening place, and there are times when it feels as if God has left us to fend for ourselves. We fall back on our own devices, and we know from experience and history that those human devices are not very good ones. The metaphor of a storm for the difficulties of life is commonplace, as is the image of our unfolding story as the piloting of a boat over vast waters. The lord of creation stilled the wind and waves that terrified the disciples. He may seem to rest too quietly among us, but he rises up in the midst of turmoil to bring calm to his creation and peace to his people, most especially when we are frightened and struggling with unbelief.

Prayer

Gracious God, be with us in the tempests of our lives, the dangers of our world and the hour of our death. Amen.

Jane Strohl Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

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