June 23

What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the seas obey him.—Matthew 8:27.

AFTER the numerous and fatiguing labors of the day, Jesus sought temporary refuge, and repose, in a small fishing vessel. Very soon after they pushed from land, a great storm arose, insomuch that they appeared in imminent peril of being lost. The fears of the disciples were exceedingly excited, and after using all necessary means for their security, they apply to Jesus. Jesus was asleep, his wearied frame was refreshing itself, with nature's sweet restorative, balmy repose. He had no guilt, he was conscious of his purity, and also of his lordship and universal power, therefore was a stranger to agitation and dread. They awoke him, and said, "Lord save, we perish." Here we see an exhibition of unbelieving fears. Perish! why, had they not been witnesses of Christ's omnific power, and did they not believe him to be the Son of God? Perish! why, not not unless the Saviour perished too, for he was in the vessel with them. Still, it is pleasing to observe, that although they were full of fears, as to perishing, yet they seem to display some faith at least, in Christ's ability, for to him they repair, and his aid they solicit. Jesus, who remained undisturbed, by the boisterous elements of nature, is at once awakened by the cries of his disciples. And now having arisen, in all the majesty and greatness of his God-head, he rebukes the turbulent waves, and hushes the tempestuous winds, into a perfect calm. In ordinary cases, it requires several days, before the agitation of the waters, can subside after a storm, but no sooner does Jesus speak, than a calm is effected in an instant, and the furious waters, are smooth and plain, as the surface of the polished mirror.