Mark 6:46-52 & Matthew 14:22-33

It is in the storms that we have the opportunity to see the reality of just how powerful and wonderful our Savior is. In Mark 6:52 the writer mentions the hard heartedness of the disciples, exhibited by the fact that the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 had no impact on them. The storm was allowed so that they could get a fresh glimpse of just Who and What Jesus is.

As soon as Jesus got to the boat, after walking on the water, the wind and the waves ceased (Mk. 6:51 & Matt. 14:32). No word was spoken, no command given, yet suddenly the roaring wind and the raging sea were still and calm — suddenly everything went from a jet-engine roar to silence. Note the disciple’s response, as Mark tells it: “. . . they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.” (Mk. 6:51) Matthew concludes his record of this scene with these words: “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Notice the progression here:

First, there was apathy, as we saw in the last article. Whether it was from fatigue, distraction or familiarity with spiritual things, there it was–apathy.

Second, there was amazement. The word speaks of experiencing something of such an unusual nature that we can’t wrap our minds around it. It speaks of being intellectually stretched. May we keep our eyes open for those times when the Savior does a work in our lives that is beyond human understanding–something we can’t wrap our minds around. To think that He would love us when we were at enmity with Him! To think that while we were yet sinners, He died for us!

Third, there was admiration. They were filled with “wonder”. If amazement speaks of being intellectually stretched, then wonder speaks of being intellectually stunned. It is the experience of something that is beyond words–something that we cannot wrap our words around. There are times when we just need to shut our mouths and soak in who He is and what He has done and is doing–not a time to speak but to soak!

Finally, there was adoration. The disciples were brought to a place of worship. Matthew’s account tells how they moved to the front of the boat and worshipped Him–literally they bowed down before Him. I fear I get too used to bowing my head and my heart (whatever that means). But sometimes I am so moved with who my Savior is and what He has done for me that I must bow my knee before Him in true worship.

In the first stormy event involving the Lord and disciples, when He commanded the wind and the waves to cease, those in the boat responded with the question, “What manner of man is this that even the wind and the waves obey Him?” At the conclusion of the second stormy event they come and say, “Truly thou art the Son of God.” Do you see the progression. The Lord broke through their calloused hearts and brought them to the overwhelming realization that they were in the presence of the One who is Divine! They were in the presence of God. May we, as they, wake up to the wonder that then leads to worship!