Tag: asleep

May 4 – Hushing Up The Storm

“Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”” – Mark 4:38-40 (NASB)

Our Savior Jesus Christ when he lived on this earth was fully God and fully human also. He experienced fatigue, hunger, and stress. The crowds of people were always around. Jesus would heal all who came to him of all diseases and cast out demons. Crossing the Sea of Galilee, a serious wind storm blew in and threatened to swamp the boat. Jesus is asleep on a pillow in the back of the boat. The disciples frightened to death wake Jesus up crying for help. “Don’t you care we’re about to die!” Jesus gets up and with the economy of words, says, “Be muzzled!” That is the literal meaning of the original words translated “Peace be Still” or “Hush, be still” Storms normally subside gradually, but when the Creator spoke the order, the natural elements of this storm shut down immediately. Daily Jesus was teaching and demonstrating his authority and power every day. Yet, it still had not dawned on his disciples that God’s power was present in Jesus and so present with them. Our promise is that by abiding in Jesus and He in us, we too have God’s power present in our lives. Let’s have faith in that.

200

April 9 – A Day Is Coming


“ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)

As adults each of us has probably experienced the loss of someone we love dearly. Our parents, a sibling, a dear friend has been called out of this world. If they are faith believers in Jesus Christ, we can know that they are with Jesus in heaven. Yet we miss them. The disciples of Jesus watched Him ascend into heaven continued to miss His presence. Grief is a natural emotion which God helps us manage. The believers in Thessalonica were concerned. The teaching of Christ Jesus’ return was brand new. The New Testament was being written by the Holy Spirit through God’s appointed servants. There was not much to go on to understand the promise of our resurrection and return of Jesus. Persecution had them worried they missed it. Paul wrote these words to them and to us so that we too can know for certain. A time comes when God will raise all who believe from the grave. Just as Jesus died and rose again, so passed loved ones will rise again by His power. If we are alive we will be caught up too. A tremendous promise, “God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.”

199