And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark 4:39-41

Immanence of the Holy

The Sea of Galilee is known for its sudden and terrifying storms. They can appear almost out of nowhere. Jesus had been ministering to the multitudes on it's shore one day. When evening came He boarded a boat and told the disciples to go across the lake to the other side. He immediately lay down in the stern on a cushion and went soundly to sleep.

When they were in the middle of the lake a ferocious storm blew up. While Jesus slept waves were breaking over the sides. The disciples were doing everything in their power to keep their boat from going under. Finally they woke Him and said, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” You can hear the accusation in their question. After all, what did they expect Jesus to do, be awake when the boat sank? They were terrified.

What happened next terrified them even more. Christ calmed the storm and after the calm they were filled with great fear because of His act. Why were they so afraid? The storm was over. They were filled with greater fear because they were face-to-face with the immanent Holy.

The holiness of God thrills some and frightens others. Never is the holiness of God so evidently revealed in all its power and glory than in the books of the Law of Moses (Exodus through Deuteronomy). God disclosed His character, will and boundaries of approach in the laws He prescribed to Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the nation of Israel. But He defined Himself in His only begotten Son. How do we approach such awesome holiness and perfection? With reverence and Godly respect, to be sure, but also with the knowledge of how many times Christ said of Himself “Do not be afraid.” Through wind and wave we can resist His holiness or become part of it (2^nd Corinthians 5:21). Standing with Him through the storm we can behold His immanent holiness and power knowing He is Lord of all. In His holiness He is not only immanent in His creation but He is also immutable and active within the creation He upholds. He does not change in His nature, being or dependability. While He is Lord of all have you resolved He is fully Lord of you?

Ken