A Timely Rebuke

Mat 8:23-27; Luke 8:23-25; Ps 106:9

In yesterday’s blog, one word that featured prominently was “rebuke“, when we talked about Jesus’s query and admonition to His disciples concerning their faithlessness.

We will start today’s meditation by looking at that word again, but this time from a different perspective.

And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24)

The use of the word “rebuke” is interesting and deserves a closer look — It means to admonish; to forbid or condemn.

It is used usually against things that ought not to be (such as the weak faith of the disciples).

But in our scripture text, it also gives us a clue that the storm, although only a storm, is a symptom of something else about nature; the operation and influence of the spirit of rebellion that seeks to act contrary to the will and design of God.

Christ treated the troubled winds and raging waters as an act of rebellion against the welfare of His disciples and thus rebuked the power behind the misbehaving elements, demanding their submission to the counsel of God.

A Calming Show of Power

The effect of Jesus’ powerful command was to calm the storm on the sea, but also to calm their fears.

By taking care of the troubling circumstances that distressed and endangered their lives, Jesus was able to take away their fears and build their faith in Him.

This becomes the powerful thrust of the passage to all subsequent believers.

Even though there are so many things in life that threaten our lives and cause us to fear, the more we know the Lord and His power, the less we will be afraid.

Our prayer for deliverance from our troubles will be less and less out of fear and desperation and more out of confidence in His ability and trust in His faithfulness.

Prayer Focus

Ps 18:15; Ps 76:5-9; Ps 106:7-12

What are the storms distressing you or the raging winds that have been howling against you?

What are those things happening in your life that ought not to be?

First start by rebuking the fears and the doubts that may have been plaguing your heart and your mind. Declare what you believe about God and what you are believing Him to do in your life / situation.

Arise like the Master did; take a stand of faith in the power of His Name and rebuke those things that are contrary to the will of God for your life!

In Jesus’s Name, forbid them from acting in rebellion against the will of God for your life. Command them to submit to the authority and power in the Name of Jesus.

Amen.

Pastor Wale Ola