Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be with Jesus when he lived here on earth?
What follows is an imaginative retelling of a familiar story based on the account found in chapter four of the book of Mark.
The sunlight is waning and Jesus is winding down his day of lakeside preaching.
He indicates to you and the other disciples that he wants to take a boat to the other side of the water.
You think to yourself that this is a welcome,
Soothing idea after being with the multitudes all day long and you climb in.
The boat pushes off from the shore and you notice a few other boats collecting and moving in the same direction.
The water is peaceful and the air feels good in your face.
Refreshment begins to wash over you.
Jesus rolls up his cloak to cushion his head and falls asleep near the back of the boat.
Gentle waves lull everyone into silence and lap playfully at the side of the boat.
Just as you are embracing this peaceful moment,
The wind picks up and the sky looks strangely ominous.
Droplets of water sprinkle down from above and soon the rain is washing away the day's layer of dust and sweat.
The wind begins to whip your garment and waves crest around the boat.
They rise higher and you watch as one splashes over the helm and washes over your feet.
It is followed by another and another each overtaking the boat.
You and another disciple begin bailing out water with buckets.
You struggle to keep your balance as the waves toss to and fro.
Fear and a chill from the cold water simultaneously tingle up your spine.
You look around at the others and realize that no one is in control at the moment.
This boat might sink.
Who can help you?
Your eyes come to rest on Jesus.
Is he still sleeping?
Your emotions shift quickly from disbelief to desperation.
Then anger.
What is he doing?
Why isn't he helping?
You stumble to the rear of the vessel and fall down next to him crying,
Teacher,
Wake up.
Don't you care if we drown?
The serenity on his face does not waver as he rises to his feet.
He stands with arms outstretched and calls out in a steady,
Firm voice.
Quiet.
Be still.
Waves all around glide downward and flatten out into a glassy surface.
The air halts and feels eerily still.
Clouds dissolve overhead to reveal the evening sky.
Silence is palpable.
You and everyone else in the boat are staring at Jesus.
Why are you so afraid?
He asks.
Do you still have no faith?
You realize your mouth is hanging open and you close it.
Your terror is chased away by awe.
Let the wind and waves obey him with just a word you can be calm to.
The stillness of the air stills your mind and heart.
You feel everything pause inside and you draw in a deep breath of air and let it out slowly.
Peace returns once more.
What is it that threatens your peace?
Perhaps your storm is in your circumstances,
Your finances,
Your relationships,
Or your health.
Maybe the waves whipping around are the thoughts and anxieties in your mind.
Jesus' offer of peace is available to you no matter what you are facing.
Whether he calms the storm immediately or you are still waiting for him to command it to be still,
He promises to be with you always.
I encourage you to read the story for yourself.
You can find it in Mark chapter 4 verses 35 through 41.
Let yourself imagine being with Jesus that day on the lake and then ask him to show up in the midst of your storm.
