Wind and Waves

We were stunned in awe at the tidal wave tossing around cars, fishing boats and demolishing buildings as it swept through the Japanese cities. As I watch on TV the various videos from the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the terrifying power of the water seems surreal, or from a movie, yet to those present it is very real. Like a tourist on the African Savannah frozen in fear in the line of a charging bull elephant, so the witnesses helplessly stood as they saw the water rush through buildings and homes, as they heard the roar of the water, and felt the power of nature. Seven days later, we are still assessing the damage done by this horrific natural disaster as the missing and dead climb into the thousands, the displaced tens of thousands without homes and jobs, and the battle to contain the failing nuclear reactors. We pray.

There have always been large natural disasters throughout history, however, we often view mass destruction in impoverished and unprepared 3rd world cities like Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Japan is very different as a leading nation in science and technology, with the 3rd largest economy in the world. Through our modern advancements, I think we develop a false sense of control and containment of nature. We build buildings that can withstand seismic movement, sea walls to contain tsunamis, detection and warning systems in place, yet we are still helpless in the path of a charging earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, or tornado. We don’t like to think we are vulnerable, but we are.

In my study of the Gospel of Mark, we witness a natural disaster taking place while Jesus and the Disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee found in Mark 4:35-41. Some of the disciples were experienced fisherman and seaman, yet as the storm rose into a terrifying squall of rain, screaming wind, and punishing waves, they became fearful for their lives. Jesus slept. They awoke him with an accusation, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The disciples sat stunned in the presence of such power and were terrified. They said, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

The disciples learned many lessons during their three year intensive training, and during the storm they witnessed first hand that Jesus, the Teacher, the Son of God, had authority and power over nature. The Creator has control and containment over His creation. When we witness the power of nature we feel powerless, filled with fear, and at its mercy. Awesome power. When we witness the power and authority of Christ we fall to our knees in fear and awe. When we experience His love by grace, mercy and forgivness He helps us to our feet and we stand in praise and joy.

As Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, he turns to his disciples and questions them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Even in the midst of life’s storms through natural disasters, family and relationships, financial stress, health or other, we can face it with faith. A knowledge, belief, trust and hope that the One we follow is the only One who has authority and power greater than the storm.

Today pray for the displaced individuals and families affected by this disaster, for the Christians and Christian relief ministries to serve and share the faith we have in Christ. Pray that they might find Jesus in the midst of the storm.

Help, give, & pray for Japan, go to: http://www.convoyofhope.org/