[Originally posted 4/17/2007]
The Nor'Easter that swept up the coast the last two days was indeed a potent storm. The wind whipped up waves that were impressive to watch. It wasn't so much fun for people along the coast who sustained damage to their property.
I couldn't help but be reminded of the passage in Mark 4:41 where the disciples marveled "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" We serve a God who is creator and Lord of even the wind and the waves.
But what do we mean when we say that? Does it mean that we can command God to stop a storm whenever it might mean damage to us? No. Does it mean that God will prevent a potent storm from causing damage to his people? No. Does it mean that if we pray more fervently and according to his will that storms can be arrested instantaneously? No. Then what good is it to worship such a God?
It means quite simply that we serve the God who is sovereign over all. He wills all things into existence including the winds and the waves. He can and has calmed the wind and the waves to demonstrate who Jesus was. But that is not for our convenience or for our pleasure. God is over all things. Our role is to serve him and trust him completely--as we batten down the hatches.