JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL
- Key Verse
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" (Matthew 8:23-25)
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Central Truth
Storms rage around us all the time. Cling to God when your seas get rough, and He will calm them. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Reflections
The disciples were stuck. Far out on the lake, they were too far from shore to turn back. The crashing waves made it impossible to go forward. The winds were howling, the seas boiling, and the boat, in which they had put their trust, was in danger of falling apart. All hope was lost except for the fact that Jesus was in the boat.
At its essence, this is a story of salvation. The disciples could not stop the wind and waves. They could not control the storm. Their salvation rested in the hands of Christ. And in their darkest hour, the disciples gave us a great example of our human frailty and the awesome power of God. By calling out to Him and placing their lives in His hands, the disciples were saved.
The raging storms of life look menacing . . . to us. The waves cresting over our bows are overwhelming . . . to us. The uncertainties and inconsistencies of this world are more than we can handle alone. One minute, we are sailing through life in calm waters, and the next moment we are thrown into violent tempests. But to God, who created the earth, led the Israelites from bondage, and defeated the grave, our challenges are never too big. Alone, we are doomed. By reaching out to God for help and placing our lives in His hands, we can handle the trials of this world because God can and will calm the storms.
As Paul said to the Romans, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Reach out to Him. Call to Him. Worship Him. Hand your fears over to Him. Jesus will deliver you safely to the other side.
Discussion Questions
1. How would you have responded if you were in the boat with Jesus when the storms raged?2. What are the uncertainties in your life that are causing you anxiety? Have you asked God to calm your storms?
3. When your fear is great, do you turn to your faith for comfort or try to go it alone?
4. Do you thank God when your boat is sailing on calm waters?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Why were the disciples afraid?
2. What did Jesus say to them (verse 26)?
3. Are there things in your life that you are afraid of? Are you trusting God with them?
David
January 25, 2010 05:28 AM
AMEN! Matt, you are saying, FAITH alone in CHRIST ALONE IS the answer! PRAISE GOD! I wrecked my boat, when I tried to go it alone! When I took "IT" to Jesus, He repaired "IT", and now I am saling, and when the rough waters come, I have learned, CALL ON JESUS! Good words my brother! They have encouraged me TODAY!
Bart Johnston
January 25, 2010 08:47 AM
Matt, Great devo today! Christ is my one and only Savior. Thanks for the clear reminder that he is the only Rock that I can rely on. Have a great day!
Rob Thomas
January 25, 2010 08:50 AM
Matt, Thanks for your thoughts on these verses. I hadn't thought of it as a mini salvation story like you worded it. Thanks for that.
Bill
January 25, 2010 09:56 AM
Sometimes he calms the storm. Sometimes he calms His child. (Acts 7:54-60) But He is always there to save! Thanks Matt.
Homero Gonzalez
January 25, 2010 10:04 AM
Matt, Thank you for reminding me that He is always with me, through both calm and stormy seas.
Corey Cheek
January 25, 2010 10:12 AM
Well done, Matt! Yes, what a great story of salvation.
Sarah Stehlik
January 25, 2010 03:33 PM
Paul and I both loved this text and your thoughts this morning. We two control freaks need this sort of reminder daily.
Tim Wasemiller
January 25, 2010 05:58 PM
Great stuff Comstock! Love it.
Cody
January 26, 2010 12:10 AM
Little late with my question, so I hope somebody sees it, but I have always had a question about verses 21 and 22. Is there a well known/accepted reason for why Jesus decided not to allow the disciple time to bury his father? Thanks!!
Bill
January 26, 2010 08:52 AM
Cody: I have heard this explained more than once by really smart preachers. It might be that Jesus is simply saying that He must come first. That has always been more than enough for me to wrestle with.
Eric Colton
January 26, 2010 09:42 AM
Matt, It has been great getting to know you and a privilege to mentor your son in Crossroads45. I have enjoyed watching God turn your 11 year old boy into a leader. Thanks for your great words of wisdom and application. I'm looking forward to many more years of growing with Jack and your family. Keep going...