The lives of the apostles were full of remarkable adventures during the 3 ½ years of Jesus’ public ministry. Among other life threatening incidents were the two storms on the Sea of Galilee. In one scene (John 6:18-21) Jesus comes to the disciples walking on the water. Once Jesus was in the boat they were immediately at their destination on the west shore.
In the other storm on the sea, Jesus was with them and asleep in the boat. Terrified because their best efforts had failed, the disciples woke Jesus up telling Him they were about to die. Jesus got up, spoke to the storm and it immediately ceased. The disciples marveled and wondered who the Master was that with a word He calmed the storm.
Had the disciples known their Bible, Psalm 107 might have come to mind. There Jehovah was described as calming the sea and bringing the people safe to their destination harbour. So, we see Jesus doing the work ascribed to Jehovah.
In Luke 5:20-25 we see Jesus forgiving a man his sins. The enemies of Jesus thought to themselves, “Only God can forgive sins this man speaks blasphemy!” They were both right and wrong. Right, because only God can forgive our sins. Wrong, because they did not believe Jesus was God and acting like God.
When we are discouraged, and everything seems to be wrong in life, that is the time to lift our eyes off the problems and onto our beloved Master and His feats on behalf of His people while among us. So often a good long look at the Good Shepherd is all we need to calm our hearts and give us courage to endure.
C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) wisely said, “I looked to the Lord and the dove of peace flew into my heart. I looked at the dove and it flew away.” When we start looking too much at life’s blessings, adversity will surely overtake us. Then, when we stare at adversity, we lose our peace.
Looking to the Master, our problems shrink and are often hidden from sight. So, when blessed or struggling, our eyes need to be fixed on the One Who blesses us and not on the blessing or the trial.
Are you among those whose eyes are firmly fixed on the Saviour or do you look at the blessing instead? What, or Who is the center of your attention today? Is your greatest pleasure the gift or the Giver?
May you have grace today to keep your eyes on our great God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He spoke and the storm ceased, He spoke and the dead came to life (John 11:43-44) . Ask Him to speak peace to your heart, and keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him.
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,|
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
- H.H. Lemmel
