FRIDAY 3.10.23: Wonder at God’s greatness Jesus calmed outer and inner storms
The Sea of Galilee sat in a geologic “bowl,” and was subject to sudden, severe storms. You can see the kind of boat Jesus was in, found in the Sea of Galilee (www.jesusboat.com/boat.php). Jesus calmed a storm and amazed his disciples. Yet he showed a different, even greater type of power as he calmed the inner demons tormenting a frightening, disturbing man.
Reflection
• The small wooden boats used in Jesus’ day, powered only by a sail or oars, must have seemed terribly inadequate in a violent storm. Do your human resources seem insufficient to deal with any “storms” you face? How can you open yourself to Jesus’ loving power, letting him give you peace as you face those storms?
• The man Jesus met was clearly a danger to himself and others. Yet Jesus didn’t try to isolate or avoid him, but to help and restore. What may have looked hopeless at first led to a beautifully healing result.
• In Bible times, “mental illness” or the influence of evil beings were all called “demon possession.”
How did Jesus’ focus on healing and helping lead to restoring the man’s life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in this troubled world, storms come in so many different forms and intensities. I thank you that you’ve promised that I don’t ever have to face any of them on my own. Amen.