Master, Master, We are Perishing!

‘No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.’ Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?’ Luke 8:16-25

Many folks feel like we are perishing in these turbulent times. The winds of anxiety are high, the clouds of confusion seem to hide the light and fear is soaking into us like sea water. We are so stirred up, tossed about by every change, that we can forget to light our lamps and be beacons in a stormy world. Jesus challenged the faith of the disciples, who were legitimately terrified in a scary storm, fearing for their lives. Jesus challenges all of us to focus on being faithful, focus on being servants now, carrying God's love and light to the world. We can do more than moan and complain; we can call on the one who even the winds and the water obey. 

Mysterious Creator, you moved over the water

breathing life into a chaotic and lifeless world

you brought us here in these times to witness

to your love which is able to calm all of the storms.

We see so much denigration and so much abuse

we have gotten used to the violence and wars

so many storms in our nation and our world

that we hide and cower from the turbulence.

Lord Jesus give us the faith to stand up and shine

make us living beacon of faith and hope

help us to lean on you completely in these times

and know you will heal and restore our world. Amen.