Word@Work Luke127 - Luke 8:24-25
Published: Thu, 06/17/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
RAGING LACK OF FAITH
Luke 8:24-25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." (NIV)
Personal danger exposes our true belief-systems. The disciples were scared that they might die, and in their panic they woke up the Son of God as though He did not know what was happening! Of course He knew what the weather would be like for their lake crossing - it was to be an early test of their faith. Jesus already knew that the disciples were ruled by natural fear and had not yet learned to trust Him, but the test was necessary so that they could see the state of their own hearts, which was confirmed by Jesus' rebuke.
Jesus simply stood up in the half submerged boat and told the wind and waves to calm down, just like commanding a dog to sit still. Immediately, the inanimate water and wind obeyed and the boat was quiet! A moment before, the disciples were screaming with fear, now they were asking the question that really mattered, "Who is Jesus that He can speak into the storm and produce peace"?
The answer to that question is critical if anybody is to develop true faith. If Jesus is the Son of God, the CEO of creation, the Saviour of the World, the Judge of all people and the Hope of the Nations, then to trust Him is the greatest wisdom. And that is why the Gospel accounts were written (John 20:30-31), so that people may know the identity of Jesus and that their faith will be based securely on the facts in the Bible. Those who believe in Him find that they receive His Holy Spirit of power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). So when the problems come, they can rest assured that Christ is in command and they do not need to suffer the inner raging of unbelief.
Prayer: God of power and might. I am in awe of Your amazing ability to do whatever You choose; and to encourage people like me to trust in Your grace. Forgive me when fear takes a hold of me because I have forgotten the character and authority of Jesus Christ. Please help me to accept that You look after me as Your own child and that I can rest in the knowledge that You are at work in my life every day, helping me to trust in Your Word. In His Name. Amen.
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Personal danger exposes our true belief-systems. The disciples were scared that they might die, and in their panic they woke up the Son of God as though He did not know what was happening! Of course He knew what the weather would be like for their lake crossing - it was to be an early test of their faith. Jesus already knew that the disciples were ruled by natural fear and had not yet learned to trust Him, but the test was necessary so that they could see the state of their own hearts, which was confirmed by Jesus' rebuke.
Jesus simply stood up in the half submerged boat and told the wind and waves to calm down, just like commanding a dog to sit still. Immediately, the inanimate water and wind obeyed and the boat was quiet! A moment before, the disciples were screaming with fear, now they were asking the question that really mattered, "Who is Jesus that He can speak into the storm and produce peace"?
The answer to that question is critical if anybody is to develop true faith. If Jesus is the Son of God, the CEO of creation, the Saviour of the World, the Judge of all people and the Hope of the Nations, then to trust Him is the greatest wisdom. And that is why the Gospel accounts were written (John 20:30-31), so that people may know the identity of Jesus and that their faith will be based securely on the facts in the Bible. Those who believe in Him find that they receive His Holy Spirit of power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). So when the problems come, they can rest assured that Christ is in command and they do not need to suffer the inner raging of unbelief.
Prayer: God of power and might. I am in awe of Your amazing ability to do whatever You choose; and to encourage people like me to trust in Your grace. Forgive me when fear takes a hold of me because I have forgotten the character and authority of Jesus Christ. Please help me to accept that You look after me as Your own child and that I can rest in the knowledge that You are at work in my life every day, helping me to trust in Your Word. In His Name. Amen.
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