Storms Imminent! - Matthew 8:23; 14:23

In Matthew’s gospel account, we read about a couple of crazy boat rides. In 8:23, we read that after Jesus got in the boat, “…his disciples followed him.” No pressure or prompting required; there was no command, just a desire to be where Jesus was. For the LORD had just said to a man who excluded himself, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

After the disciples followed Jesus, “a furious storm came up on the lake.” They were all filled with panic and fear while Jesus was in the boat with them... sleeping. Jesus woke up, eventually, and told the storm to knock it off. It had no choice but to obey.

I’m not really sure why it’s so hard for some people to imagine that the Almighty Sovereign Creator of the universe would say, “Shhhh!” and creation would be compelled to respond in obedience. The disciples, the guys who willingly climbed into the boat, they saw Jesus do something miraculous and were astonished. But why? Because they still didn't know who He was.

Just a few short chapters later, in 14:23, we read that Jesus “encouraged the disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.” Jesus was NOT in the boat this time when the storm came. The Disciples were out there all night straining at the oars while Jesus was busy praying.  Eventually, Jesus came to them. After rescuing Peter and hauling him into the boat, we read in 14:32, “the wind died down.” No command from Jesus... it just happened.

Lots of people follow Jesus because it's culturally convenient. Some follow because it seems like a good idea to have HELL INSURANCE. Some follow because they're trying Him on for size. Still others follow because Mom said it was the right thing to do. But if you didn't get into the boat because you made a personal commitment to follow Jesus, the eternal WORD... the KING of kings... wherever He leads... when the furious storms come –and they always come– the faithless freak out because they got into the WRONG BOAT for the WRONG REASON to begin with. Just like the Disciples, many fail to realize that being in His presence is all that matters. As David sang in Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Lots of people do the stuff Jesus, the WORD of God, encourages them to, but if they don’t know the person behind the encouragement... the command... It's nothing more than superficial, worthless religion. And when the furious storms come, they panic and strain at the oars of life... trying to fix the problem themselves... leaning on their own strength and understanding... striving to prove their faith by walking on the water... when all Jesus ever said was “Come!” God doesn't want or need us to prove anything to Him. He just wants us to be with Him. All we need... all we've ever needed... is His presence. So He invites us, “Come, follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Life is full of boats of invitation, opportunity, and ensuing storms. Rather than simply following Jesus, we often climb into our own boat and do whatever we see fit to do in our own eyes. Everyone has already gone their own way of rebellion in Adam. Isaiah 53:6 reveals, “We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” In Christ, we have the opportunity for something new and beautiful... trusting in the LORD with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding.

People often go astray even after God's gracious invitation to participate in life-giving ministry with Him. Noah got drunk. Moses struck the rock twice. Job got impatient. King David committed adultery. Solomon married hundreds of women. Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Peter avoided sitting with Gentile Christians. Sometimes we climb in simply because Jesus asked us to... But how do we respond when the imminent, furious storms follow? How do we respond in the Refiner's Fire? Jesus' prescription comes in Matthew 6:25: "Don't worry about your life..."

It’s neither about sinking in the water nor walking on it. It’s not about the boat, furious storms, or calm seas; it isn't even about getting to the other side. It has always been, and will always be, about being with King Jesus as the incarnate, living, active, unchanging, unfailing, sufficient, perfect, resurrected, and returning WORD of God. Period.

The only thing that matters is whether or not we are truly worshiping in YAHWH's presence. YAHWH means "I AM WHO I AM." It absolutely does not mean, "I AM who you want ME to be." That's Satan... the one who lies, manipulates, and tells people exactly what their itching ears want to hear... for now.

King Jesus made a promise, but it's only extended to legit disciples who have been 1) regenerated by the Holy Spirit... 2) whose baptism/identity is 100% in Christ... and 3) who are actively doing the Father's will... It's only to them that King Jesus says, “And surely I AM (YAHWEH) with you always (Immanuel), to the very end.”

Storms are imminent. The question is: Are you merely around Jesus, or is He truly LORD and Immanuel? If He is, then whether life today is calm waters or violent storms... you know you're in the presence of God Almighty... therefore, you truly lack nothing.

Blessings & love,

Kevin M. Kelley