I attended a Lenten Retreat today where the Presiding Minister shared the gospel story of Jesus quieting the stormy waters. Mark 4:35-41. He read the passage slowly and asked us to try and imagine the fear of the disciples and the response of Jesus to their fear.
He then took things to the next level by asking us to imagine ourselves in the boat with the disciples, He wanted us to use all our senses to grasp the import of this story. So, he turned off the lights and played a 5-minute sound clip of stormy weather- lightning and thunder- as well as the sound of tumultous waves from the sea. It was eerie and frightening. He read the gospel again, and this time paused for dramatic effect before intoning, “Peace, be still”. On cue, the noisy recording was shut down and the lights turned back on.
The dramatic effects served their purpose. I for one, was overwhelmed by the power of This Man who could calm the storms with just three words. The analogy was obvious. No matter how dangerous or deadly our circumstances are, one or two words from Jesus can take care of everything that is making us tremble with fear….immediately….
May our merciful Lord speak a few words of restoration into every situation of uncertainty that we are currently worried about. May He make our hearts glad with answers of peace that demonstrate His power. Amen.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 