Four weeks ago today, a tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma. This powerful funnel cloud tore through schools, businesses, and the hospital. It killed 24 people and left thousands homeless. The tornado, with winds exceeding 200 mph, was given an EF5 rating, the strongest ranking possible. This rare twister left a path of destruction 17 miles long and almost 1½ miles wide. Powerful and destructive.
No one could stop it. No one could divert its course. No one could change the outcome. That’s the power of nature. Yet the power of that tornado – and the ones that hit Oklahoma again 10 days later – cannot compare to the power of Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark gives us a glimpse at His power in action. It had been a long day in Galilee. The people kept coming and Jesus kept teaching. But when evening fell, Jesus and His disciples climbed into boats and headed across the unpredictable Sea of Galilee.
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 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.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41, NIV
Jesus’ power is not destructive power like the storm, but rather authoritative power. All it took was a word. And there was calm.
The roaring waves had made the disciples fear for their lives, but the calm terrified them even more. Who was this man who had authority and power over nature? They should have worshipped Jesus. They should thanked Him for their safety. Instead Jesus’ holy power frightened them.
Jesus’ power is mightier than any tornado or army. Stronger than any natural or supernatural force. He is able to heal bodies, restore relationships, instill faith, give hope to the hopeless, comfort the grieving, and save the lost.
What situation in your life needs the power of Christ? Cry out to Him today!
Thanks Kathy I needed that today.
Hi Martha! This truth is something we all know but tend to forget when the storms roll in. May we all remember to stay close to the Master of the Waves!