Finding Peace in the Storm

Read Mark 4:35-41

The disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” –Mark 4:38

In the ancient world, the sea was understood to represent the forces of chaos. Remember that in the creation story, the earth “was formless and empty, and darkness covered the face of the deep” (Gen 1:2). God restrained the waters—setting a dome in the sky to seal the waters above, and gathering the waters below to make space for land, a place where life could flourish. God brought order out of chaos.

So when I read today’s story, my mind immediately went to Minneapolis and the scenes of chaos that have unfolded over the weekend. I’ve watched videos of federal agents deploying tear gas and pepper spray. I’ve watched as protestors blew a cacophony of whistles and shouted “shame” in their faces. It is tragic to see this happening in our country. A perfect storm of fear and anger and power, all clashing against one another.

I know that Jesus has authority over the storm. I’ve heard this story a hundred times. Yet I struggle to see a way out of this conflict, with both sides entrenched in their positions and escalating in their outrage, and unable to see the humanity in each other. So as I read the story today, I found myself drawn to the question the disciples asked: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

This story is found in other gospels, so it is perhaps helpful to contrast the different ways each author tells the story. In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples say: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matt 8:25). It is a direct appeal to Jesus’ wonder-working power. But in Mark’s gospel, the disciples accuse rather than appeal: Do you not care…? Because Jesus did not participate in their panic, the disciples assumed that meant he didn’t care about them.

There is a long pattern of this behavior in the Bible. The Israelites grumbled regularly against God in the wilderness. When they were thirsty (Exodus 15); when they were hungry (Exodus 16), when they were scared of the Canaanites (Numbers 14). In every case, they complained that God was indifferent to their plight. But in fact, the core message that God had sent through Moses was the exact opposite: “I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” (Ex 3:7) God sees, God hears, God is concerned.

And God will act, in His own time and in His own way. God sent Moses to rescue his people from Israel. God sent His own Son to rescue us from our sin. God is not afraid of the chaos. Jesus rebuked the wind and commanded the sea to be still, and the storm obeyed.

So while my heart panics at the chaos I see, even though I fear we are drowning, I remember that Jesus is not panicked at all. Nothing in this present moment threatens His Lordship. He sees, he hears, he is concerned. And in due time, he will rescue. My peace comes from remembering not that He is in the boat with me (that he shares my panic), but that I am in the boat with Him (and he offers me his peace).

Speak, O Lord, a word of peace. Speak peace to our leaders. Speak peace to our law enforcement officers. Speak peace to the protestors. Speak peace to the vulnerable. Speak peace to my soul. May our fury and fear be stilled. Amen.