Jesus and the Disciples were on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. As happens frequently in that area, a strong storm suddenly arose and began to knock the small fishing boat around like a twig in the rapids of the Colorado River. The waves splashed over the sides of the boat and the disciples were sure that they were goners.
But Jesus was asleep.
As a last minute resort, when all other hope had faded, they cried out to Jesus. Jesus calmed the waters and the disciples probably wondered why they didn’t turn to Jesus in the first place (and that’s what Jesus seemed to think too).
The story is told in Luke 8:22-25. Click the following button to read this passage…
Luke 8
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.
23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. NIV
A similar description of God is given in the hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save. Check out the following video…
First Priority
And yet, Jesus is always in the “boat” with us; we can’t get away from Him (check out Pastor Jim’s 9/7/14 sermon, “ET Meets Michelangelo“).
If He never leaves us, why do we leave Him? Why is it that we don’t think of God until we’re really in trouble? God is asking us to think of Him always; not only when’ we’re in trouble. God should be our first priority; not our last resort. Take a look at the following verses:
First Priority or Last Resort?
If God is your First Priority instead of simply being your Last Resort, your eyes should be fixed on Jesus. You can do this by studying the Bible. Carve out some time; read it every day. If you’re going to “throw off everything that hinders,” surround yourself with other Christians who can hold you accountable and help you get rid of your “idols” and things that you value more than God. If you’re going to “seek the Kingdom,” you’ll give of your own time and resources to serve others. Pray. Look for ways that you can make a difference in the lives of the needy.
But if you only think of God on a few Sunday mornings, is He really your First Priority? If you only pray when the waves roll into your “boat,” you’re limiting God as your last Resort. True and lasting joy and peace come when we seek the Kingdom of God and make God our First Priority.