“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 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. 25 “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.” Luke 8.22-25
Have you heard the statement, “some people can sleep through anything!” My wife can do this. She can fall asleep with music or the television on but I could never manage this trick! Children and babies are oftenlulled to sleep on long car rides, and I’ve seen college students asleep on benches in the middle of campus with people walking all around.
I am not as fortunate as my wife, these children or worn out students — my sleeping typically takes place only in a dark room, with a hat over my head, a noise maker or fan turned on high. And most nights I take a natural organic sleep remedy that I mix with water and drink from a cup. Does anyone else have a hard time sleeping?
But apparently, Jesus didn’t have this problem. He feel asleep in the midst of a “squall” (a mighty and sometimes violent storm) in a small fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Some gospel accounts tell us just how he was sleeping — with his head on a pillow/cushion.
Now I could understand if this was the Disney Cruise Ship! Comfortable beds, lush blankets, sound proof walls, and barely a sway of motion. But this was different, this was a storm with fierce wind, waves and rain. I know from previous studies that the Sea of Galilee is prone to this type of storm. But Jesus, slept right through until waked by panic-stricken fishermen fearing for their lives with water coming into their boat and theirs lives in “great danger.”
What does this say about the Master of Creation sleeping in a boat? What does this reveal about the Son of God, fully God and fully man, who could rest within his own creation? What does this say about his trust in his Heavenly Father to take care of his needs? What does this say about the lack of faith by the disciples (and us) to wake God in the Flesh in a panic and cry out —- “Don’t you care if we drown?”
This storm really happened but the analogy applies to so much of life. Our limited faith causes us to panic but God’s overarching protection provides peace.
Why not rest in the Lord today? Why not find strength in his name, hope in his grace, peace in his love. He has you in the palm of his hand and nothing can snatch you away (Isaiah 49.16).
“O Lord God, I love a good peaceful sleep. But it’s so hard when the world seems to be spinning out of control. When politics, culture and the church seem to struggle to find their way. When the social media messages instill panic, strain and stress. Help me find rest in you. Help me know the truth of your love. Help me rest in your bosom, under the wing of your protection, all the days of my life. I love you Lord and praise your name. Come now, Holy Sprit, fill me with your power and strength. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen