Mark 4:39 “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (NIV)*

Mark 4:41 “They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'” (NIV)*

Storm at sea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus brought complete calm. Howling winds stopped and waves settled. Fear of the elements dissipated as the boat steadied.

Yet, the disciples were terrified. Wind and waves obeyed the voice of the Lord! His parables were intriguing. His claims, to be respected. But this submission from nature? They had weathered storms before. Words stilling winds and settling waves shouldn’t happen. It would take a powerful, almighty force…God Himself.

Gratefulness was overshadowed by sheer terror. With eyes wide and mouths open they wondered about Him. Clothes dripping wet…they were stuck in the boat with God.

If He could stop the wind and waves, what would He do to them? Sinful, doubting, frail men in the very presence of God.

If we fully realized who’s in the boat with us would we be terrified? If we knew all the things He does behind the scenes, if He fully revealed Himself, would we panic in His presence?

So then, be terrified. God is in the boat.

………………..

*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.

Check out today’s reading in The One Year Bible for more reactions to the presence of God. In Mark 4:15-17, the people were afraid and asked Jesus to leave after He drove the legion of demons from the possessed man. Leviticus 9:24 shows the people shouting for joy and falling facedown after fire came from the presence of the Lord and consumed the offering.