In Genesis, Moses introduces God’s creative power with three simple words — “in the beginning”. The Gospel writers pick up the sentiment and convey God’s power over creation with three simple words–- “peace be still”. These latter three words have resounded throughout the centuries via the words of the familiar 1870 hymn by Miss M. A. Baker, entitled “Master, the Tempest is Raging”. “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee”, a 1633 masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn, also portrays the words.
At the time they were first uttered, these three simple words invoked fear. Let’s pick up the story in Luke Chapter 8. It started off as a routine traverse across the sea of Galilee. A storm unexpectedly ensued cascading the disciples into a life-threatening frenzy. Each person did his best to preserve his own life, the lives of his shipmates, and the vessel itself. Each man was frantic except for one, Jesus Christ, who was fast asleep. The disciples anxiously rousted him from his peaceful slumber and with urgency accosted Him because of his neglect and apathetic demeanor. Rather than engage in unneeded discourse, He simply commanded the storm to abate.
Now in the night’s calm, a fresh fear enveloped the disciples, as they realized they were in the presence of no ordinary passenger. On their arrival ten verses later, we read a similar scene of Jesus calming the storm of demonic forces. Again the response by witnesses showed they were out of their league with this so-called fellow traveler.
In your own life, God has solved your problem, quenched your fire, calmed your storm, and silenced your tormentor, but instead of praise, you have fear in the midst of the calm! Is it truly fear or is it awe in the presence of an all-powerful God? Is it alternatively a sense of amazement and utter disbelief? Had you previously doubted God’s ability to perform and now your lack of faith causes you to shudder? You ask, “Who is this God Who hears and answers prayer?” “Who is this unseen, omnipotent Being Who cares enough about me to intercede in my life, my predicament, and my dilemma?” Oh yes, the encounter causes one to pause, to reflect and reconsider one’s station in life. “Yes, I am a child of God, the Eternal King of the universe, but Oh, what a mighty God I serve!”
Isaiah had an interesting experience one in which he came face-to-face with Power and he realized holy terror! “Woe is me… for mine eyes have seen the King!”, he exclaimed, once he regained his breath, composure, and the sense enough to express affirmation. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals who encountered the immediate presence of God. Moses and Joshua present two vivid examples of their encounters and their responses. They knew what to do and showed fear – the sacred realization that they were in the presence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, yet loving God.
What should our response be when we encounter God’s presence?
