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CHRIST STILLETH THE TEMPEST
THE more we see of Christ, the more we are constrained to admire him. Every fresh miracle discovers to us more of his unbounded power and grace. The disciples had often been struck with wonder at the miracles wrought by him. They now beheld a miracle in which they themselves were deeply interested, and were stimulated by it to more exalted thoughts of his august character.
It will be profitable to inquire,
I. What it was at which they so marvelled—
The disciples in crossing the lake were overtaken by a storm, and were in imminent danger of being overwhelmed by the waves. In this strait they called upon their Lord for help—
[They had put to sea in compliance with their Lord’s command [Note: ver. 18.]; yet were they not exempt from the dangers incident to navigation. Christ himself submitted to be thus tossed by winds and waves, and in so doing has taught us what his Church must expect in this tempestuous world [Note: Act_14:22.]. His disciples, having exerted themselves in vain, applied to him. In this they afford us a good example under our distresses. Perplexed by fear, and agitated by impatience, they addressed him rather in a querulous expostulation. Alas! how feeble is our nature under the pressure of heavy trials’. How apt are we to mix our supplications with complaints against God [Note: Job_3:23; Job_6:4; Job_7:20.]! They shewed however, with all their weakness, in whom their trust was, and that they had no hope but in his almighty aid.]
He immediately interposed for their deliverance—
[He could, if he had seen fit, have prevented the storm; but then the disciples would not have discovered their own weakness, nor have seen this marvellous display of their Master’s power. It is for the same gracious ends that he permits our troubles [Note: 1Pe_1:6-7.]; and, when they have brought us to him in fervent supplication, he will deliver us from them. He arose from his pillow, and with authority rebuked the storm. Instantly the boisterous winds were hushed, and the roaring billows silenced. Though at other times the waters after a storm remained in a perturbed state, at his command they subsided to a perfect calm. Such is the effect his word produces on “the tempest-tossed soul.” Terrors, that appalled the conscience, are dissipated as a cloud [Note: Act_16:29-34.]. Temptations, that agitated the frame, are disarmed of their power [Note: 2Co_12:9.], and afflictions, that overwhelmed the soul, are made to yield “the peaceable fruits of righteousness.” Well might they marvel on an occasion like this. Nothing seems so much beyond the controul of man as the winds and waves; but even these heard the voice and obeyed the will of the Lord Jesus. Well therefore might the disciples exclaim, “What manner of man is this!”]
So stupendous a miracle should lead us to consider,
II. What views of Christ will naturally arise from this display of his power—
The disciples, through their ignorance and perplexity, scarcely knew what to think. But to us his conduct naturally suggests the following truths:
1. Christ is the true and living God—
[His sleeping, through fatigue, shewed him to be a man like ourselves; but his exercise of such power proved him to be God also. Moses had opened the sea by his wonder-working rod; and Elijah had made a path through Jordan by his mantle: but both confessedly wrought their miracles in dependence on God. Jesus, on the contrary, performed this miracle by his own power: and who, but God, is sufficient for such things? It is spoken of as the peculiar prerogative of God to rule the sea [Note: Pro_30:4. Psa_65:7.]. Let us then bear this in mind in all our addresses unto Jesus. Let us indeed make this the ground of our application to him [Note: Isa_45:22.].]
2. He is never unmindful of his people’s troubles, however he may appear to be so—
[The Apostles rather reflected on him as though he “cared not” for them. But his providential care was not the less exerted because he was asleep. We also are ready on some occasions to think him unmindful of us. We too often adopt the impatient language of the Church of old— [Note: Isa_49:14.]; but the answer he gave to them, is equally applicable to us— [Note: Isa_49:15-16.]. We never need to be afraid if we be embarked with him. His ark may be tossed about and driven by tempestuous winds; but though every thing else should perish, that would outride the storm.]
3. He will not withhold his aid on account of the weakness of our faith—
[The excessive fears of his disciples shewed their want of faith. He therefore reproved them for having so little confidence in him. But he would not on that account refuse their request. In us also he too often sees the workings of unbelief: but he will “not be extreme to mark what is done amiss.” He frequently, when on earth, relieved those who doubted his power or his willingness to help them [Note: Mat_8:2. Mar_9:22.]: and it is well for us that he still exercises the same pity and forbearance. Doubtless, however, the stronger our faith, the more speedy and effectual, for the most part, will our deliverances be.]
4. He is as able to save us out of the greatest difficulties as from the least—
[We are ever prone to limit him in the exercise of his goodness; nor are even the most signal manifestations of his power sufficient to correct this propensity [Note: Psa_78:19-20.]: but he who created and upholds all things can overrule them as he pleases; and his promises to his people are fully commensurate with their wants. Let us then go to him under our most pressing difficulties, and rest assured, that he is both able and willing to save us to the uttermost [Note: Heb_7:25.].]
Address—
1. To the disobedient—
[God has been pleased to bestow on man the gift of reason, and to leave him a free agent in all which he does. Alas! how vilely do the generality abuse this transcendent mercy! They are more regardless of the divine command than even winds and waves. And is this the end for which God has so distinguished us? Is the privilege of volition granted us to encourage our revolt? Is it not rather, that our obedience to God may be a rational service? Let the disobedient stand amazed at their impiety. Let them wonder that the Divine forbearance is so long exercised towards them. Surely they have abundant need to offer that petition— [Note: ver. 25.]. O that they may be more impressed with their danger than ever the disciples were!]
2. To those who truly endeavour to serve the Lord Christ—
[All seasons are not alike in the spiritual, any more than in the natural, world. The greatest difficulties may encompass you, when you have the clearest evidence that you are in the way of duty. But know that your Lord is an all-sufficient, ever-present help. Do not then shun the path of duty because of any trial that may beset you. In the midst of all, possess your souls in faith and patience; and let the triumphant words of former saints be your song— [Note: Psa_46:1-3; Psa_46:5.]. Thus shall you have richer discoveries of your Saviour’s care and love, and from personal experience attest the truth of that poetical description— [Note: Psa_107:23-30.].]