Christ Rules Nature

~ “Even The Wind and The Waves Obey Him” ~

Principle From Scripture  ~  “O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord?  Your faithfulness also surrounds You.  You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them” (Psalm 89:8-9).  “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with Him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted.  Also I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers” (Psalm 89:24-25).  “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.  For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea” (Psalm 107:23-25). 

Example 1  ~  “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.  Now when evening came, He was alone there.  But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.  Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  So He said, ‘Come.’  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’

“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:22-33, parallel passages are Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:15-21).

Thoughts  ~  (1) Jesus is aware of our struggles in this life.  At times it may seem He is unaware, but He always knows our situation!  (2) Sometimes He sends us into situations where He knows we will face difficult times—but it is always for our good.  In our future heavenly home we will understand His purposes with regard to our life on earth.  (3) If we keep strong faith, He will perform miracles through us. 

Example 2  ~  “When evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’  Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?’  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”(Mark 4:35-41, parallel passages are Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25). 

Thoughts  ~  (1) While our Savior was asleep in the boat He was fully aware of their struggles.  He came to them in their hour of need.  In the process they learned more fully how trustworthy He is.  We can be assured that He will not allow us to pass through waters more turbulent than we can endure and if we trust Him we will emerge stronger because of the experience.  “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).  (2) Scripture assures us that if we live the life the way our Lord desires that we live, we will see difficult times—but we can remain calm.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  “You will keep him in perfect peace [regardless of circumstances], whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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