Worship Him

Mark 4:39-41 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!”
 
THE disciples were terrified. Is this the right response to Jesus’ authority over nature? In one way it is. The disciples had been with Jesus for some time when he calmed the storm on the sea. They witnessed his numerous healings. But there is no record they were terrified of Jesus then. What caused this deep fear of the Lord at that moment?
   Perhaps for the first time they realized Jesus had all authority over their lives. He could destroy them or save them. They suddenly knew they were in the presence of the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. (Psalms 146:6) His unlimited, pure power stood next to their unknowing hearts. His sovereign authority determined the destiny of their sin-filled souls. His all-knowing mind dwarfed their limited understanding. He held their mortal lives in his words. Why would they not tremble in fear?
   Yes, now they are beginning to more clearly see who this Jesus is in their own lives. They are growing in their understanding that their rabbi is the LORD of the covenant, who came to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 18). He is the angel of the LORD, who spoke to Moses from an unconsumed burning bush (Exodus 3). He is the One who led Israel through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. He is the commander of the Lord’s army (Joshua 5) who guided his people into the Promised Land. The disciples knew the LORD has spoken, and they are afraid. And just as Moses and Joshua, they knew they were on holy ground. God transformed Moses into a powerful leader when Moses fully submitted to God. Joshua learned how essential it is for God’s followers to listen closely to all God says.
   Did the disciples learn these lessons? As it says in Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Jesus had revealed himself as the Holy One. Through this terrifying experience, they begun to understand that they must really listen to their rabbi. They know his words will not only calm the winds, his words will even transform their lives.