Peace Be Still – Sunday, March 25, 1984
Threatening clouds hung dark overhead. Angry waves crashed against the small boat where the disciples of Jesus huddled helplessly before the howling wind and boiling waters. Jesus slept calmly in the back of the ship. Finally, his terror stricken disciples awakened him and begged him to save them.
Jesus stood and commanded the stormy sea and sky with these words, “Peace, be still,” and it was calm. The disciples turned to one another and said, “What manner of man is this that even the wind and the sea obey him?”1
Jesus’ words were a command to the elements, but they might also be taken as counsel to His disciples, and to us.
Clouds of war and nuclear holocaust hang over our world. Violence and crime threaten us. Corruption and immorality weaken the supporting structure of this ship we call civilization. In laboring to keep the ship afloat we may find our backs aching as we bend to the oar, our hands callused and bleeding, our faces stung by the driven spray.
At times, we may feel we are fighting the elements alone. The Lord, for our own good and for His own purposes, may choose to not take a direct hand in the struggle. It may sometimes seem to us as it did to the apostles that the Lord is asleep and has left us to save the ship alone.
But such is not the case. When we are doing our best to carry on righteous works and still appear to be sinking, we may call with confidence, “Save us Lord, we perish.” And that which we ask He may well give.
He will sustain us and bless our efforts. If the occasion demands, He will rebuke and command the very elements that His work may not be swamped and submerged in the depths of sin and evil. He has done so in the past. He can do so in the future.
There will be injuries, even casualties in this contest of good and evil. And there is no promise the ship will sail smoothly but sail it will. And those who hold to the course which the Lord has marked out will find they make steady progress even in heavy seas. And amidst the roaring waves they may have an inner peace and quiet comfort in knowing the Lord is with them.
In these troublous times what greater blessing could a loving Father in Heaven offer His children than the assurance that He is watching over them. Blessed are all those who accept His promise and enjoy His peace.
1 New Testament, Mark 4:38-41.
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March 25, 1984
Broadcast Number 2,849