Acts 27.14

     A tempestuous wind known as Hurricane Irene, has ravaged the East Coast, leaving a trail of destruction stretching from the Caribbean to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The storm has been blamed for 44 deaths in 13 states, and 2.5 million people without power.  Flooding has continued from Connecticut to Carolina, briefly shutting down Times Square, bringing parts of New York City to a standstill.  

     Many people are still in shock that a hurricane could touch such places, previously thought to be ‘out of reach’ for such catastrophes.  History reminds us that no place is “out of reach” and all of us need to be ‘on guard’ against unexpected calamities.  But how about the storms in our lives?  The unexpected hurricanes that seemingly arise out of nowhere, throwing us off course and leaving us to wonder, What happened?  The diagnosis, the telephone call, the letter, the argument, the job loss, the homelessness, the court case, the unexpected news.  How do we handle those events that catch us off guard, leaving us helpless and crying, “Lord, save us”?

     Jesus responded to the cry when the disciples were on a boat in the midst of the sea.  The veteran seamen thought they’d seen it all, until a storm arose and threatened their very lives.  Someone remembered that Jesus was on board.  Awakening Him, He stretched His Hand, and spoke those calming words, “Peace, be still”, and everything stopped at His command. Mark 4.39.  Do you have Jesus on board?  It’s the Old Ship of Zion, ‘Get on board, Get on board’.  Call His name, Jesus.