Who Is This Man?

 “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” ~ Luke 8:25 NLT

In this church season of Lent, many of us are preparing our hearts for Easter, trying to understand its deeper meaning and the God who would sacrifice himself for us. 

In Luke 8 the disciples thought they knew their rabbi Jesus of Nazareth.  After all they had seen him heal, perform miracles and even raise a widow’s dead son.  Then they took a boat ride while Jesus napped. Unexpectedly a fierce storm came up and there was a real danger of them drowning. They managed to wake up the exhausted Jesus. He rebuked the wind and the waves, and “Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.” (Lk.8:24)

The disciples’ response was one of shock, even fear.  They thought they knew Jesus, but “Who is this man?” they ask. “Even the wind and waves obey him.”

Has there been a time when you thought you knew who Jesus was, but then he intervenes in your life and shows himself to be more than you expected?  Perhaps he is more powerful, more compassionate and merciful, more present and involved in your daily life than you knew?  We all may have tried to put Jesus in a “box”, and store it away until we think we need him.

Then, perhaps, you read Bible verses like Ephesians 1:21,22 about Jesus.
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.  God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church (That’s us.).

Notice Father God has given him authority and power over all things everywhere and in every time. Stop and ponder what that means for you today. What is too big, too much, for Jesus to handle? 

This Jesus is the One who loved you and died for you and has promised never to leave nor abandon you.  He promises to be there with you in all of your storms, when you feel helpless and hopeless.  And he is with you in all of your victories, joys and celebrations, too. Not only are you not alone, but for Jesus, who promises to be with you, nothing is impossible. And he still loves you.

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to go deeper in your search for God.  May you be filled with wonder and awe as you realize that this Almighty God has chosen you, called you and is sanctifying and preparing you for an eternity with him. Let’s choose to glorify and obey him! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~March 1, 2023