He Maketh the Storm a Calm

2018-03-27

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; (24) These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. (25) For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. (26) They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. (27) They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (28) Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. (29) He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (30) Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (31) Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:23-31)
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. (36) And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. (37) And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:35-41)

Psalm 107:23-31 teaches us a few things about the nature of God and of Christ. Here are a few things I see:

  1. The LORD causes storms. Being God, He is all-powerful, and with that He causes storms (Psalm 107:24-25). Even professional fisherman can be afraid of the great wonders He performs in the deep (Psalm 107:23, 26-27; Mark 4:38). Jesus’ disciples’ ship was about to sink (Mark 4:37), and that meant that they were near death.
  2. The LORD calms the storm. But if they trust the God of the storm, they praise Him because of His salvation from the storm (Psalm 107:31). They had to cry to Him, and only then did the LORD calm the storm (Psalm 107:28; Mark 4:38).
  3. Christ is the Lord over the storm. Christ fulfills this psalm. Because we believe in Christ, whatever storm comes our way, we know that He both allowed it, and that He is able to calm it as well. God shows us His power in His salvation.
  4. Christ is God. Christ can do what only the LORD can do.

Being a Christian is not easy. The enemies are many, and Jesus Christ Himself warned us of tribulation when we follow Him: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Everything is an uphill battle. But Jesus has overcome the world, and we have overcome with Him if we can only believe it (1 John 5:4).

Parallel Passages

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. (24) And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. (25) And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. (26) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (27) But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:23-27)
Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. (23) But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. (24) And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. (25) And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:22-25)