Who Is This?

Jesus asks his disciples a question in the middle of a high stress crisis situation,

"Why are you so afraid?" ¹

It might seem a ludicrous question. Jesus' disciples were being swamped, literally, stuck in the middle of an unrelenting storm in the middle of a vast lake, their boat taking on water and their emotions filling up with fear. You may feel that way at times, overwhelmed by the stresses and anxieties that crisis (or even not so crisis) situations can bring to your soul. But I'd like to propose that this is a good question to ask yourself when fear and worry are taking turns knocking at the door of your heart demanding an answer to the worries rising up in your thoughts.

Ask yourself, "Why am I so afraid?"

The answer to this question, this very real question, begins with a question,

Who is this? ²

This is the same question the disciples asked themselves regarding Jesus once he calmed the storm that was tossing them around like rag dolls. And you can ask that question as well in the middle of your situation. And you have the answer to this question: as a believer in Jesus, the answer is near to you and is echoed in the stories of the bible and of your life,

Who is this who ...

parted the mighty seas at just the right hour?

delivered Paul and Silas in the midnight hour?

forgave the psalmist of sin and despair?

raises the dead, heals the sick, gives sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf?

delivers from the fire and mouth of the lion?

disciplines his children because he delights in them?

And you may have some answers to this question from your own personal experience - I know I do,

Who is this who ...

freed my heart from addiction and depression?

rescued and strengthened my marriage?

has kept my children safe through dangers, toils, and snares?

has provided miraculously and unexpectedly in my finances?

guides my footsteps and has shown himself faithful my entire life?

freed me from hopelessness and despair?

All the promises of God are yes and amen in Jesus ³ and we do well to hold on to them,

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? ⁴

Jesus calls out to you tenderly and says, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

You can trust him with your whole being.

References

¹ Mark 4:40

² Mark 4:41

³ 2 Corinthians 1:20 - For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

⁴ Psalms 56:3-4

⁵ Luke 12:32