Jesus Slept - October 2

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13); PM Psalm 33
2 Kings 19:21-36; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Matt. 8:18-27

And when Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ (Matthew 8:23-25)

There is a seven-episode miniseries on Netflix that is called “Midnight Mass”, based in a struggling fishing village somewhere in the United States. The townspeople wrestle with faith, community, and reconciling the brokenness of the past and present…or that is the gist I have gathered from watching the first three episodes! It is a suspenseful mystery with some moments of disturbing imagery. If this style of entertainment intrigues you, check it out. Otherwise, just stick with me in this reflection and move along with other genres that amuse and compel you.

One image from the show resonates with me as I reflect on today’s scripture from the gospel according to Matthew. The protagonist named Riley has disturbing dreams. In the recurrent reverie, he finds himself in a rowboat amid a tumultuous storm, with oars in his hands. The sky is dark. The water is darker. The wind is blowing. He is alone, sitting bolt upright. The scene cuts away to another image of tension and unrest. I would not want to be a companion in that boat of drifting despair.

In Matthew, we find Jesus on a lake. His boat surely was a larger vessel than the dingy described above, and he was not alone. His disciples accompanied him. At some point, the winds whipped around them, splashing white caps higher and higher as water invaded the boat. Astoundingly, Jesus slept in the middle of the crisis. The noise of passengers’ cries, the sensation of wetness upon his body, and the emotional tension in the air did not stir the rabbi. Jesus’ friends shook him awake, calling for him to restore them to safety in the perilous situation.

Jesus slept. A note in the Jewish Annotated New Testament made this observation about Jesus’ actions in this stressful three-hour boat tour. That he was asleep, relaxing in the crisis, indicated faith. Faith in the ultimate safety of God’s care surrounding them. Looking to ancient Hebrew texts, we read in the directions for obedience directed to the Israelites in Leviticus. When they were compliant, God offered this promise: “And I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid; I will remove dangerous animals from the land, and no sword shall go through your land.” (Leviticus 26:6) Peace and safety were gifts from God, allowing them to slip into a vulnerable posture of reclining. I think, too, of scripture from the minor prophet Micah, looking to the idealized future of divine restoration of Jerusalem, where safety would cover the land: “but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.” (Micah 4:4) Rather than toiling in the sun for 14 hours a day, there would be a time to rest in the shade of their own harvests of plenty, without worry. Generations later, Jesus was calm in the storm on that lake. He had strong, deep faith. The turbulent waters could not move his spirit to a posture of fear.

What about Jesus’ non-anxious presence inspires you to find stillness in a storm within your life? Perhaps there is a tempest swirling or brewing on the horizon for you. Know that you are not alone in that dingy, though it may feel weak and tiny. Jesus is your companion, no matter how dark the skies or high the waves. God’s love surrounds you. The Holy Spirit will empower you to be strong in body. Pray that God will cleanse your mind of the dreams of despair and grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

--Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

 Think of a time you really struggled with your faith. What have you learned about your needs for safety and reaching resolution? What prayer practices have kept you steady?

What and who have helped you through a stormy time?

Daily Challenge

Think of someone you admire who has come through a hard time. Set aside time to connect with that person. Ask them what helped them? How was their faith in God affected? Reflect afterwards, and journal about your own faith - areas that are already strong, and those that could use fortification with God's help.