The Authority of Jesus

You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. Psalm 89:9

The disciples went to Jesus and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:24


REFLECTION:
We often take time to discuss Jesus' gentle nature...

We picture him as kind, forgiving, peaceful, loving, and centered.

What we don't often talk about is the fierceness of God's love as it showed up in Christ. We are sometimes uncomfortable with the story of Jesus flipping over the tables in the temple when he sees people being taken advantage of and a faith being polluted by financial opportunism. Why does this make us uncomfortable?

Are we uncomfortable when we see the "mama bear" instinct come out in a parent, as they defend their child from a threat? Are we uncomfortable when we see a soldier defending freedom by eliminating a threat?

This is a little preview of where my heart is being led for the sermon this weekend...but maybe today it is a good thing for us to contemplate the authority of Christ, and his fiery and fierce passion for us. When he speaks, he speaks with authority. The waves cease.

Maybe Christ is speaking with authority to your waves today. Take comfort in his stern voice, commanding the calm.

PRAYER:
When we are battered by the roiling sea, when we are frightened and in despair, Master of the tempests, speak your peace to us. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts