The Gospel of Luke: Calming the Sea Devo

June 10th, 2018

“The Gospel of Luke: Calming the Storm” - Luke 8: 22-25

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Monday: “Set Sail” - Luke 8: 22

Lets be honest - if the disciples knew that a storm was coming - do you think that they would have readily agreed to cross the lake when Jesus suggested it? Probably not. While there are certainly some folks who have no fear about storms - even those who chase after storms - they are few and far between. Many of us, when we see a storm on the horizon, prepare and hunker down in one place, not setting out into the storm, unless absolutely necessary.

While we may see some storms in our lives coming, often they seem to crop up unexpectedly, while we are in the midst of smooth sailing. These storms can throw us off balance and make us question so much about ourselves and our faith. They make us wish for smooth sailing water again. Yet, Christ is with us, even in the midst of the storm. 

How do you most often respond to the storms of life?

Prayer: Gracious God, we know that life is not always smooth sailing. We recognize that we have faced storms in the past and will face storms again in the future. Yet, even with this knowledge we are surprised when the storms come. Remind us, Precious Lord, that no matter what, you are with us, in the smooth times and when the winds are raging. Amen. 

Tuesday: “In Danger” - Luke 8:23

We each have different definitions of what an emergency may be in our lives. Yet, even with these varied definitions, I think we can agree that gale-force winds and a boat filling up with water is an emergency. It was not the situation that those in the boat wanted to find themselves in, so they begin to panic.

Except for Jesus - who was asleep.

Even as a child, I was not a very good sleeper on trips. Once in a while I would be able to fall asleep. But if there was rain or snow or winds, I became hyper-vigilant. In contrast, one of my brothers could fall asleep in a car anytime. He could sleep through any storm it would seem. 

When we feel that our lives are in danger, many of us become hyper-vigilant. We may not know how to respond to danger, but we certainly know that we cannot seem to find rest as Jesus can in the midst of the storm. We let our anxiety take over, instead of sinking into the assurance of Christ. 

How do you react in a time of danger - by being hyper-vigilant or by finding rest? Why?

Prayer:  Precious Lord, we admit that we do not have the same peace that Christ had in this passage running through us. We let our anxiety get the best of us, instead of turning to you in trust and confidence. The view of the storm takes over, all too often, Lord. Give us your assurance we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Master, Master” - Luke 8:24

When the disciples realize what is happening, they go and wake up Jesus (who continued to sleep through the winds and the waves). They called Jesus, Master, and then stated that they were going to drown. 

The word Luke uses for Master is not a common one, though the title of Master itself was quite common, just simply a different Greek word. This word means commander, trainer, and/ or overseer. Who is Jesus Master over in this passage? The disciples probably use this word because he is the one training them in the faith, but the truth is Jesus is also the commander over the winds and the waves. He got up and ordered the storm to stop. And it did. 

Who is Jesus in our lives? Is he truly the one who is training us in the faith? The one who is in control of our lives? Do we just want Jesus to be the one in control of our circumstances instead of in control of all of us? 

How is Jesus commander, trainer, and/ or overseer of your life?

What areas of your life have you not yet made Jesus Master over?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes we want you to be master over the storms in our lives, but not master over the totality of our lives. We confess that we want you to change the aspects of our lives that are beyond our control without handing everything over to you. Forgive us, we pray, Lord. May you rule as Master in all of our lives. Amen. 

Thursday: “Awe and Wonder” - Luke 8: 25

The word “amazement” or “awe” is used quite often in the Gospel of Luke. The crowds were amazed. The disciples were in awe. In this particular instance, the disciples are in awe that Jesus was in control of even the wind and the waves. That everything obeyed his command. 

In what ways are we in awe of Jesus in our own lives? It is my fear, that we no longer act as a church who is in awe of Christ. The stories of scripture and even the way we pray has become so routine that we don’t expect Jesus to show up some days. Yet, Jesus deserves our wonder and amazement. For Christ is still moving in and through our lives today in a way that transforms our world. 

When are you in awe of Christ?

Prayer: Lord, we proclaim that we stand in awe of you, but sometimes we do not connect our words with actions. Our words leave our lips, but do not sink into our hearts. Forgive us, we pray. Renew in us a sense of awe and wonder, like that of the disciples long ago. Amen. 

Friday: “Clams the Seas” - Luke 8: 22-25

I cannot read this story about the sea without thinking about other sea-filled scriptures in the Gospel. Chiefly, when I read this story, I think back to when Jesus invited Peter to walk on water - which he did, until he realized what was happening, his eyes caught sight of the waves, and he started to sink.

Sometimes we pay far more attention to the storms in our lives - to what is going on - then to Jesus - the one who is the Master of even the wind and the waves. What do we need to change in our lives in order to put our focus back on Jesus, even when we are going through difficult things? 

How can we keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of the storm?

Prayer: God, we want to be people who are so deeply in relationship with Jesus, that we can focus on him, even in the midst of the storm. We know that relationships like this do not happen over night. Continue to sink our roots down deeply in our faith and trust in Christ, so that when the storms of life do come, we can continue to focus on him.

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Gospel of Luke: The Good Samaritan” -  Luke 10: 25-37

Family Activity: Talk about a hard day you had. Do you think Jesus was with you even during your hard day? Why or why not? Talk about how Jesus never leaves us, even when we cannot tell that he is there.