When the Creator Wore Sandals
A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:37-38
Mark, more than the other gospels, demonstrates that Jesus truly is the Son of God by the miracles He performed. The disciples had seen many miracles already. Jesus healed everyone who came to Him. He showed His power over the demons. Yet, when the disciples’ lives were endangered by a violent storm on the sea, they showed they still didn’t fully understand that Jesus was the Son of God. They cried out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” What a harsh word against their Lord! Don’t You care? We can understand their fear, their lives were in danger. But was there really anything to fear? They had the Creator of the universe right there in the boat with them.
They took the fact that He was sleeping to mean that He was oblivious to what was going on and didn’t care about what happened to them. They should have taken that to mean there was nothing to fear. If our Savior God is not worried, we shouldn’t be either!
When we are faced with some danger, or tragedy, we may be tempted to question whether God really cares about us. The Almighty Creator came down to earth and wore sandals. He became one of us, and lived like we do. He faced all our temptations and trials. He did it so that He could save us from our own sinfulness. Doesn’t He care? Of course He cares! There is no one who cares more, and there is no one who is more capable to help in every need. He is the Creator, after all, walking among us in our shoes.
Dear Savior, we are sorry for ever questioning your love and care. When we are afraid, let us remember that you are always with us in the boat. Amen.