Articles
Peace, Be Still
Two events back to back in the life of Jesus illustrate His power to calm us in the midst of turmoil and danger.
The Storm on Galilee – Mk 4:35-41. An evening sail from Capernaum to the eastern shore of Galilee takes a turn for the worse: “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling” (4:37). Incredibly, Jesus is asleep in the stern – to the disciples unconcerned about the un-folding catastrophe: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (4:38). Roused by His panicked companions, Jesus arises and says simply, “Peace, be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (4:39). Jesus’ sleep was not that of indifference; it was that of complete command of the situation.
But Jesus was not finished speaking: “He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’” (4:40). Prior to this the disciples have seen miracles such as the healing of the centurion’s servant, the nobleman’s son, the casting out of demons and even the resurrection of the widow’s only son, not to mention a multitude of other mighty works. Further, they have heard His teaching, observed His demeanor in the face of opposition. After all that, did they think Jesus would perish along with them in a boating accident?! Jesus issues a mild rebuke which indicates that their faith is not as far along as it should be given what they have seen and heard.
Their struggle to put everything together is seen in their reflection on what has transpired: “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (4:41).
The Demoniacs of Gadara – Mk 5:1-20. As soon as Jesus steps ashore, He is greeted by two men (Mark only focuses on one) who are inhabited by legions of demons. These men were violent and uncontrollable: “No one could bind him, not even with chains … neither could anyone tame him” (Mk 5:3-4). They were naked, vicious and “driven by the demon into the wilderness,” fit to live only among the dead who, ensconced in their tombs, were oblivious to the shrieking, self-abusive madmen.
While the disciples wondered about the true identity of their Teacher who stilled the storm, there is no such uncertainty in Legion: “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me” (5:7). When the townsfolk come to investigate they find the man “sitting and clothed and in his right mind” (5:15). As Jesus had shown His power over the physical creation by calming the winds and waves, so now He demonstrates His power over spirit-beings.
Some takeaways from these episodes:
1. Our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being depends on coming to a full understanding of Jesus’ true identity. The demons knew this directly by their interaction with Jesus in heavenly realms. Having rebelled against Him they know their coming fate, and they are afraid that Jesus will preemptively cast them into the abyss (Lk 8:31).
But humans come to a knowledge of Jesus’ identity gradually. This was so even when Jesus was among men in bodily form. How patient He was with the slow-witted apostles! He revealed Himself bit by bit and allowed them time to wrap their minds around His true being. Is this not true of us today? Coming to an understanding of Jesus is a process. He accepts us even when our concept of Him is immature and lopsided. But having embarked on that relationship we are expected to progress to a mature understanding of Him throughout our earthly life. And even as the apostles overcame their initial fears to serve the Lord with boldness and courage, so we can as well. Where do you stand in this process?
2. There is much to fear in this world, and even more to fear of what lurks in spiritual regions. We are at the mercy of nature’s harmful forces such as weather, disease and accident. Beyond this, Satan is always prowling to find a weakness he can exploit. While he doesn’t forcibly take control of people like he did in the first century, these stories of demon-possession indicate the harmful impact he has upon us through temptation and sin. Whatever temporary pleasure sin promises quickly fades into shame, injured relations, loss of self-worth and sometimes physical deterioration.
Satan is cunning and persuasive, but Jesus clearly demonstrates His supreme authority over all potential threats. In fellowship with Him we have nothing to fear, for He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18; 1 Pet 3:22; Eph 1:20-21). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:31-39); nothing can happen to us that He is not aware of; nothing can befall us that He cannot handle. His whole life lays a foundation for trust and confidence in Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest …” (Mt 11:28).
3. While Jesus did wonderful things for many people, He did not free all the demoniacs and He did not heal all the afflicted. In fact, the very disciples whom He told not to fear and who served Him faithfully in the years to come were the very ones who suffered scorn, abuse and martyrdom. The Lord does not promise to prevent or remove all trials and hardships. Rather, He vows to use them to build our character, provide comfort and hope in spite of them, and hone our desire for heaven to be forever free of them. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). What a relief and privilege it is to serve the Lord!
