ODJ: getting nautical

November 19, 2015 

READ: Luke 8:22-25 

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves (Psalm 89:9).

It was early spring and the ice on the lake near my home had thawed. After a long, cold winter, a few of us hardy anglers were eager to fish again. As we hit the water the skies were sunny and the massive lake was calm. Conditions were ideal, but not for long. Shortly after setting our lines, the wind kicked up. It didn’t take long for it to start getting uncomfortably ‘nautical’. Before the waves could build to dangerous heights, we reluctantly pulled in our lines, fired up the boat engine and motored back towards the quiet harbour waters.

Just like that lake, the Sea of Galilee was known for its sudden and violent storms. One evening Jesus suggested that He and His small band of followers cross over the large inland lake by boat (Luke 8:22). As they made their way across, a strong storm moved in. So fierce were the waves that it threatened to sink their vessel.

The disciples were understandably scared. They thought they were going to drown. But not Jesus—He was snoozing in the back of the boat (v.23). After the disciples finally woke Him up, Jesus stood up (maybe even stretched a bit) and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down, and they did (Luke 8:24).

Shocked, the disciples didn’t know what to fear more—Jesus or the storm. “Who is this man?” they wondered out loud. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (v.25). Centuries earlier the psalmist asked, “Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD?

. . . You rule the oceans. You subdue the storm-tossed waves” (Psalm 89:8-9).

May God’s power and authority—two things that amazed the disciples and inspired an ancient poet—reassure us when life starts to get ‘nautical’. He’s greater than anything we’ll face.

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Acts 28:15-31