As we are embroiled in the global war on terror, it is good news that the Christmas Child would be our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). However, we left Jesus yesterday in anything but peaceful circumstances.
"Iran Receives Nuclear Fuel in Blow to U.S.," today's New York Times headlines read. Russia delivered nuclear fuel yesterday for an Iranian power plant, despite the wishes of America's leaders. Trying to use the situation to advantage, the United States claims that Iran no longer needs to learn how to enrich uranium for its nuclear power plants. But Iran counters that a second power plant under construction will require the country to do its own uranium enrichment. And so the debate over Iranian nuclear power and a potential nuclear weapon continues.
As we are embroiled in the global war on terror, it is good news that the Christmas Child would be our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). However, we left Jesus yesterday in anything but peaceful circumstances. A sudden, terrifying storm has come upon our Lord and his disciples while they are sailing across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37). The disciples are terrified for their lives, while Jesus sleeps through the danger. And so we are reminded that our incarnate Lord was fully human. The Bible says that he was tired at Jacob's well (John 4.6) and thirsty on the cross (John 19.28).
So as he slept, they rowed. They fought the winds, braved the seas. Four of them were professional fishermen and sailors, and all knew boats and the Sea of Galilee. But finally, when all hope was lost, they cried out to Jesus for help.
He arose immediately. He "rebuked the wind" which was causing this storm. Then he shouted to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" In the King James, "Peace, be still." In the Greek, "Shut up! Put a muzzle on and keep it on!"
Instantly, obediently, "the wind died down and it was completely calm" (v. 39) like a disobedient puppy cowering before his master. The disciples said, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (v. 41). They said it in amazement. As would we. As should we.
Out of all this event can say to our storm-tossed souls and world, I suggest this one principle: we should go to Jesus first. Not last. Not after we've rowed our hardest and tried our best and fought as long as we can. If we want peace, we must go to him first. Let's discuss that principle for a day or two.
Why didn't the disciples call on Jesus first? Why don't we call on him the moment our ship sails into a storm? Let's continue tomorrow.
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