Reading 9
Jesus Save Us!—Matthew 8
As I write this, we are in week 12 of quarantine, COVID-19 has reached 7 million cases worldwide, American job loss is now over 20 million, and protests and riots sparked by George Floyd’s death are in full force across the US and the globe.
If America has ever felt in the thick of a boiling storm, this is it. If there was ever a time when this text calls to our nation, it is now. But as this global tempest rages around us, as we pound and beat our fists on the sides of our swamped boat, crying, “Jesus, save us!,” God’s Word speaks lessons through the maelstrom.
- The Disciples Followed Jesus When Jesus got into the boat, the disciples followed Him. Though the sea was well-known to be plagued by sudden and violent storms, the disciples still went with Him. Despite the uncertainty of their journey, the trusted and believed fully in Him.
- Even the Disciples Faced Storms Just because we are followers of Jesus doesn’t mean we won’t have extreme difficulty in our lives, but the Prince of Peace Himself promises us peace, even in the midst of the storm. (John 14:27)
- Don’t Panic if Jesus Is Silent I can only imagine how terrified and confused the disciples must have been. The wind howling, the waves crashing over and swamping their tiny boat, and Jesus seemed unconcerned, even sleeping down below. Yet despite His silence, and in the midst of their fear, He was still very much in control, still right beside them.
- Cry Out for Help While it is true that the disciples panicked when the storm arose, they had enough faith to do something very productive—they implored and trusted Jesus to help them. (John 14:1)
- Learn to Look Back After Jesus calmed the storm, “the men marveled” (Mt. 8:27). In the midst of a tempest it can be difficult to see Christ but looking back and seeing His presence and power in the difficulties of our past can give us strength and peace in our present storm.
To Consider:
- How has Jesus shown his presence and power during a difficult time in your past?
- How has Christ been present for you during this national?
- How can you be Christ for someone in the midst of this storm?
God, our refuge and strength, our world and lives feel tossed and turned, caught in a never-ending tempest. Yet, through it all, we take hope in You and Your promise to never leave us. Give us strength and peace for the tumultuous days, courage to reach out to those in need, and faith you are in control. In Your Son’s name we call out and pray, Amen.
A live worship artist and one-time Disney pirate, Stephanie Burke now has the great joy of being the ELCA Regional Gift Planner for the Carolinas. She is spending quarantine with her husband Matthew watching five baby barn swallows lean to fly and binging on African safari videos.
