Shock & Awe (Prayer)
In my studies I try to slow down enough to catch words and phrases which I would otherwise normally pass over. Then I try to immerse myself into the events I’m reading about. Luke 8:22-25 provides a great example of how that works.
One day [Jesus] got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
A few observations:
Jesus told the disciples they were going to the other side of the lake. Since Jesus doesn’t lie, they were going to make it to the other side.
Jesus fell asleep. Omniscient (all knowing), Jesus knew what was about to happen with the storm. He had such little concern about it he was able to fall asleep.
I’ll give the disciples some credit here, they may not have yet grasped the idea that Jesus is all knowing so they may have missed that point.
“We are perishing” They knew Jesus was the Messiah and that knowledge brought with it the knowledge of prophesied future events, albeit the disciples were a bit confused on exactly what those events were to be. Nonetheless, if they perished, those prophesies would never be fulfilled. Therefore, if they believed Jesus was truly the Messiah, perishing was not an option.
Jesus did what they asked and ‘saves’ them by calming the storm and the waves.
They were "afraid" = Shocked
They "marveled" = In awe
“Who then is this” = Amazement
Now put yourself in that boat knowing Jesus is the Messiah. You've seen some of the miracles he can do and therefore, you know he can perform a miracle in this situation. Nonetheless, panic sets in because all you can focus on is what's right in front of you, the storm, which prevents you from seeing what God is doing or can do.
Are you beginning to see how slowing down can draw out a much deeper study and how this event pertains to our own prayer life? For example:
When they cried out to Jesus as he slept, what exactly did they expect him to do? Besides the obvious, help them not perish, what else were they thinking?
Did they want words of encouragement such as, “I told you we were going to the other side and that’s exactly what we are going to do”
Or, Did they expect another plan such as, “Okay boys, this ship is a goner, so let’s start swimming”
Or, did they expect a miracle. Kind of a long shot prayer to them.
Then when he actually did what they wanted, they were shocked and in awe and in total amazement “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
Application: If we think about our own prayer life…
Do we stop long enough to consider what God has promised us in the past before we start our prayer? Sometimes there will be an applicable promise other times it may be difficult to identify a specific promise such as with the request for healing. We’re not promised we will be healed of cancer.
Those in the boat, in their panic, completely forgot they were told they were going to get to the other side of the lake.
When we pray do we do so in a panic or do we take a step back and consider first all that God can do?
Do we truly believe God can do what we are asking of him? He definitely can cure us of cancer.
I would guess most, if not all of us, believe God can do anything. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing when, or even if, he will do it which is what causes the panic.
I believe that was the issue with the disciples in this case. They were caught off guard and didn’t know what to do except call on the one who could do miracles. They were placing their trust in Christ before they even understood what that really meant.
Are we shocked and in awe of him when he answers our prayer the way we asked?
I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m often shocked and amazed, in a good way, when I’m privileged to be shown by God what he was up to when he allowed something to come into my life.
Ultimately, Jesus calming the storm drew the disciples closer to him, it’s what being in awe of him means. Being in awe is a reverent expression of a deep respect, wonder, and amazement of someone. We should all be in awe of Christ Jesus.
When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place [at the crucifixion], they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” - Matthew 27:54
A couple final thoughts:
How do we call upon the Lord? “God, here’s my request” or “God, show me how you will be glorified as a result of this situation?”
When we pray it’s okay to ask this way, “Lord, here is my request and how I think you will be glorified.” Your request may not be God’s plan but at least you are asking with the right intentions. Even Jesus prayed a similar prayer in the place called Gethsemane.
And going a little farther [Jesus] fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” - Matthew 26:39
And for the record, sometimes we have no idea what to ask and that’s okay too…
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose - Romans 8:26-28
Have a great day.
