Revealed with a Wink and a Nod

Scripture: But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:23-25

Observation: As they cross the lake a storm arises, the disciples are afraid, they awaken Jesus, and he calms the storm then questions them for their faith. This is a story many of us learned as little children.

However, in this telling by Luke, there are details that are a little different. First, the boat was is "jeopardy" ... it was in actual trouble. This wasn't a panicked cry for help from the disciples, but rather there was real danger in the boat sinking. Second, Jesus "rebuked" the storm, but ... he did not rebuke the disciples, it says that he "said" to them, and asked where is their faith. That isn't someone who sound cross. In fact, taken together, this sounds like a teacher who has just made a huge point during a lecture, and then emphasizes it with a catchy phrase or memorable quip. In other words ...

-- In true danger, Jewish disciples who would have been trained to pray to Yahweh in times of crisis, instead cry out to Jesus for help, and he saves them.

-- To emphasize that there is some deep meaning to the fact that - just like God - Jesus has the authority to save when people cry out to him, Jesus gives the disciples a sly smile, raises an eyebrow, and knowingly asks "okay, so what do you believe now?"

-- The disciples ... actually start to get it, putting two and two together and immediately discussing Jesus identity and Messiahship.

Application: I so quickly jump to a certain narrative in the bible, maybe out of self-doubt, or maybe I was taught this way. That narrative is that ... the disciples are tested, they fail, Jesus exasperatedly teaches them, and they still don't get it. In this model, I am to learn from Jesus, despite my failings.

That might not always be the right narrative. Sometimes, the test comes, the disciples did right, and Jesus says, 'okay, now let's ponder and explore it deeper,' and the disciples do in fact learn even more.

I know there are things I get wrong. However, there are things I absolutely get right as well. This model shows me that God would, in fact, agree with that, and thus his response isn't to nit-pick, but rather to guide me into even deeper thoughts and actions and relationship.

It is easy to beat ourselves up and believe God teaches us out of our failings. However, Jesus modeled that he would prefer to teach us out of our successes. When we fail, he has to correct us and re-teach us the basics. When we succeed, he can use that as the foundation for even deeper conversations. It is in this deeper learning where I can discover the true nature - the identity - of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray as always for your help and guidance as I struggle to do right every day, and for your forgiveness and mercy when I fail. However, I also add that I desire your deeper love and wisdom to be part of my success. When I serve you well, may I learn even more. When I avoid temptation, sidestep anger, or bless others as your hands and mouth on earth, may I in turn discover you in new and exciting ways. Thank you for your love and your teaching. Amen.