Joel M Bradshaw

35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”36And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”–Mark 4

One of my MS medications once messed with my equilibrium and balance. It has left a lasting reminder in the form of motion sickness. Roller coasters are now my enemy. I recall a final day at sea during a cruise when we hit a serious storm. Even on a gigantic cruise ship my body panicked and I remember simply laying curled up on the bed and thanking God for my wife who was able to pack both of our bags.

Another memory I have is my most recent MRI. I have lost enough weight so that I no longer feel like a hot dog inserted into a straw, but during the MRI the room started spinning within me. All I could do was close my eyes and keep repeating to myself, “Please help me, God. Help me, Jesus.” So I am with these guys on that small boat.

1. In their panic they accused rather than trusted.
2. Their concept of God was limited by their circumstances.
3. Fear of God is more appropriate than fear of life.
4. Panic is an opportunity to trust and not doubt.
5. There is a calm that only Jesus can bring.

Thanks for journeying with me this morning! Welcome to our new followers. Please check out the Masterclass Theology podcast if you like. It’s great to have on in the background while driving or on the exercise bike. Our most recent episode is entitled “Paul”.–JMB