The disciples woke Jesus as a furious storm struck their boat. They said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Their words reveal both their faith in Jesus and their fear. In their faith, they went to Jesus for help, but in their doubt, they panicked. In the same way, we sometimes come to Jesus for help through prayer, while at the same time wondering if he will really help us. Jesus addressed the disciples’ fear, rebuked the winds and waves, and there was great calm. This miracle reveals who Jesus is: the Creator God, who commands creation and is obeyed instantly. Today, Jesus dwells in us through his Spirit. Our security is not found in the absence of troubles, but in the presence of Jesus.

As they landed, two violent demon-possessed men confronted Jesus. The demons had robbed them of sanity and self-control filling them with violence and death. Yet even the demons recognized Jesus’ divinity and authority, and they begged him to send them into a herd of pigs. Jesus permitted it, and the pigs rushed into the lake and drowned. The men were set free from possession and violence. Jesus is stronger than the darkest bondage and demonic oppression, and he can set us free with just his word. But the townspeople rejected Jesus not because they doubted his power, but because they feared his presence will cost too much.
Application: Lord, help me trust in your presence and overcome the storms and the bondage of life.
One Word: Jesus is in our presence