That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
There is a fascinating phrase in Mark 4:41 that ought to stop all of us in our tracks. Not just because of what is written, but because of its implication on our lives every single day.
In Mark 4, Jesus calms a furious storm that had overtaken the boat He and the disciples were on. If you know the story, Jesus was asleep through the chaos until the disciples begged Him to intervene.
When they did, He stood, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” And the wind and waves obeyed.
Then comes verse 41. Look at the result: They were terrified.
Think about that! They were more afraid after Jesus calmed the storm than they were during it.
Why would that be? Why does the Bible say they were terrified after the winds and waves obeyed?
Well, it might help to place ourselves directly in the boat. Imagine the storm crashing violently around you. The sails are ripping, the water is pouring in, and your life feels moments from ending. Then, a man stands up and speaks directly to the storm—and it immediately goes silent. Instantly. Like a child obeying a parent’s stern command, the storm obeys this man.
Can you picture it? That is exactly what they witnessed that day. No wonder they were terrified.
They suddenly realized they were in the presence of a power so great even the weather obeyed his commands.
Consider again the mighty power of God:
He spoke the universe into existence.
He created life.
He split the sea in two.
He caused the sun to stand still.
He healed the blind.
And He raised the dead to life.
Now, consider who we are in comparison:
We are but dust (Psalm 103:14).
We are like a breath (Psalm 144:4).
A grass that withers (Isaiah 40:6–8).
And apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5)
The appropriate response to God’s greatness is not casual indifference. It is reverent awe. It is a holy fear and terrified understanding that acknowledges His power, His justice, His might, and His unmatched authority.
Yes, this powerful God is also full of love. He is gracious and kind. But His love should never lead us to forget His power. Instead, it should deepen our reverence.
May our love for God be rooted in who He truly is: the One whom even the wind and waves obey.
And may that reverence shape our lives, our worship, and our obedience.
Prayer
Almighty God, you are greater than I can ever imagine. Help me never to lose sight of your power and glory. And by your grace and power, may I walk in humble fear and reverence today and always. And let that truth shape how I live and obey you. Amen.