Benefits of Being in the Boat

March 3, 2023

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 NLT

It was a big day. Healings, new believers, big crowds. Everyone in the boat had reason to be exhausted but full of joy. Seems like the perfect time for a party or at least some kind of celebration. But no. Jesus went to sleep, the disciples steadily rowed the boat, and suddenly a fierce storm struck the lake and the boat started taking on water. The disciples went to the compartment in the lower part of the boat to awaken Jesus who unbelievably was still sleeping soundly. They shouted that they were going to drown! Can’t you see Jesus looking up at these men He loved so dearly; the ones who had followed through on their initial commitment to be in the boat and follow Him forever? I can picture His slow and easy affectionate, unworried smile. “What? This? Just a storm. Why are you afraid? You have such tiny faith!” Then He rose to His feet, spoke to the winds and the waves like unruly children and told them to settle down.

Suddenly it was over. There was a great calm over the sea, and the turbulent waves were gone.

The disciples were thoroughly astounded. They had never seen or heard anything like it. “Who IS this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Following Jesus with our whole heart allows us front-row access to see miracles firsthand, to be part of exciting events and memorable moments that the world at large sees. But when we follow through on our commitment, when we show by our actions that He is our Lord, when we climb in the boat to go wherever He says at His command, we gain so much. We get a new awareness of His presence. Can you imagine having Jesus in the boat with you? We can. He has promised to never leave us. We learn a new love for people. Jesus tells us His new law is to love as He loves us. The disciples at first were annoyed by children, wanted to send crowds away, had distaste for people they viewed as sinners and lower than themselves. They learned open-hearted love from Him. Following Jesus made them like Him. We will change too. We get new clarity on who Jesus is. Nothing but following faithfully will let you really know Him. They saw He was greater than they dreamed. They kept following after the resurrection and changed the world. We get new confidence in His power. We quit praying that He will keep us FROM the storm and simply know He will keep us IN the storm. We quit looking for an easy, comfortable life. We just want to follow.

• Following Jesus 100% is a no-regrets decision. Jesus, I want to be in Your boat, following wherever You go. I want You to make me like You. I trust You with the storm.