A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.
Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!
A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
“And when He had entered into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great tempest on the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. And His disciples came to. Him and wake Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We perish!” And He said unto them, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:23-26 NKJV
Leading up to Jesus and is disciples leaving from Capernaum, a great many things happened. In Matthew Chapter eight, we see Jesus in supernatural mode with the miracles of healing. He starts things off by healing a man with Leprosy. The man came and knelt before Jesus, which is a clear indication that he had heard about what he can do. He said to Jesus, “Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man saying, “I am willing, be clean.”
Next, we have the faith of the Centurion. His servant was at home paralyzed and suffering terribly. Wasn’t this thoughtful of him? To think of the servant, who perhaps may have been more of a friend to him, than his own kinfolks. Jesus did ask him if he needed him to come to his home, but thoughtfully he knew his house wasn’t in any shape for the King of Kings. Knowing we are only filthy rags before his majesty and glory. He said to Jesus, “just say the word.” Here we see a clear view of faith in action as the Centurion recognized the power of God’s Word. Jesus said to him, “Go, let it be done just as you believed it would.”
A busy Jesus continued healing many. Coming to the rescue, He cured those who had fever, possession, infirmities, and disease. It was finally to leave the area. And after a long day it was time to get some rest. Can you see him friends, as he finds himself a quiet corner on the deck of the boat. With his own soft animal skin blanket, he neatly folds it up to make a pillow for his head. He lay’s back listening to his disciples talk about all of the amazing things they witnessed Jesus do, how many people were helped, and that the word will travel far and wide about our Jesus. Still in my own thoughts, I see him casting his eyes upward to the heavenly skies, tuning out their conversation. As the boat rocked, a sleepy Jesus yawns, until He drifted off to sleep. What a peaceful sight.
As Jesus was getting some much-needed ZZ’s, there came a sudden furious storm on the water, so the waves swept over the boat. All in an uproar and afraid the disciples woke up a sleeping Jesus saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! Now here they are on board with the Son of the Living God, and they are worried about a storm. It was apparent they already forgot all of the healing and miracles he performed just today! Can you see them all in a panic, talking and shaking Jesus awake all at once? Jesus woke up to commotion on the ocean and I am not talking about the storm.
Naturally Jesus’ first step was to get everyone to calm down, for they were gripped with fear. Jesus then said, “you of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and waves, and it was completely calm. Can you imagine in those moments what the disciples must have felt, as they realized what message they sent to Jesus by their actions. Can you hear them friends talking as Jesus tries to go back to sleep. I can hear them saying, “ya’ll we gotta do better. Here we are on board with the Captain of the sea, we know there is nothing ordinary about Him, he is God among us, He has all power and he wasn’t going to let anything happen to us on this journey. And how do we repay him?” When they arrived on the other side of the region, Jesus restored two demon possessed men.
I am reminded that Jesus is my bridge over troubled waters. And when the waters seek to take me under, he comes to my rescue pulling me from depths unknown. In this life there are many kinds of storms. The winds are strong, the rains can be quiet heavy, and the disruption can leave plenty of debris in our path. But there is something about knowing that Jesus is my bridge over troubled waters, and even when I fail friends, I know that because of He lives I can face today, tomorrow, and the next day!! He has the power to bring us through the storms. Hang your anchor into His Word. Amen!
Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.
