As they sailed a windstorm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water and they were in jeopardy. Luke 8:23
Jeopardy has been a long-running TV game show with a unique characteristic. The game show host presents a topic and then for a set amount of money he gives the answer to a trivia question. The contestants are required to respond by asking the appropriate question.
In the full account of the story found in the gospel of Luke, Jesus and his disciples are crossing the sea of Galilee on a boat. As they traveled, Jesus took the opportunity to rest below deck. Many of the disciples on board were experienced fishermen with vast knowledge of the sea. As a fierce storm started brewing the fishermen struggled but were unable to navigate safely through the storm. Water was filling the boat and they were overcome with fear. They believed their lives were in jeopardy and so was Jesus’. In desperation, they went below and woke Jesus from his sleep to alert Him of the situation. Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and waves. The storm subsided and all was calm.
I imagine if the game of jeopardy were being played the answers and questions under the “Boating with Jesus” category would go something like this:
- Experienced fishermen crossing the Sea of Galilee for $100 – Who are the disciples?
- Water flooding the deck and in trouble of capsizing for $200 – What is the boat?
- Care free during an apparent life or death situation for $300 – What the heck? Below the deck all wrapped up in a cozy blanket for $400 – Who is Jesus?
- The force used to calm the wind and waves for $500 – What is the power of God?
- Panic while Jesus is near for $1000 – What is lack of faith?
After the sea calmed the disciples asked the question, “Who can this be that the wind and waves obey him? The answer we know to be true is – Christ, the Son of the living God.
Followers of Christ still encounter difficulties. Life continues to have rainy days and sometimes we find ourselves in deep water. Being near to Jesus does not guarantee smooth sailing, it only means that when we are in stormy weather there is someone that travels with us and provides opportunities for us to grow in our faith.
Do you have a storm brewing in your life? God is near and is willing to help. Call out to Him. Ask Him for help and for a greater measure of faith until the storm passes.
Blessings,
