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!”
Yes, probably common reading as a Hurricane is bearing down, but something struck me this morning, I have read this passage numerous times, but have to admit I have never noticed that “they took him along (in the boat), just as he was.” That phrase; just as he was, stuck with me. Why is that there, what does it mean?
Not sure I have it correct or hermeneutically analyzed, but what occurred to me is that at least for me, I tend to take Jesus for what I want him to be, a wish granter, a friend, a protector, the one who makes thing right for me; instead of taking Jesus as he is, Divine, Lord, Savior, Loving, Gentle, kind, forgiving, wonderful, grace-filled, teacher, all knowing, all powerful, all in all and we could all add to the list. Forgive me Lord Jesus - full of grace...
So as Irma is still churning toward us, I will continue to call upon Jesus just as he is to calm this storm, but I will call with this attitude: I know he can, but I do not know if he will. And as such my faith will remain in him, he will be my safe harbor, and I will move forward knowing it is he that the wind and the waves obey!
Grace and Peace!
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