The Captain that Commands His Creation

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:22-25).

The disciples followed the Lord into a boat for a cruise that had no revealed destination. If we read ahead we learn that Jesus had arranged a powerful appointment with some demonic forces on the other side of the lake, but for now we only see that the Master simply invited His disciples to “Go across to the other side of the lake”. Jesus was not immediately concerned about the physical terminus of this short journey. The Teacher was investing in a faith-building experience for His disciples. Even as He slept He commanded a windstorm to arise for this important lesson. The disciples were not concerned that the Captain slept as long as there was smooth sailing. But as soon as circumstances beyond their control threatened their very lives, they called on their Master. Christ settled the storm with a rebuke. Then He provoked the hearts of His disciples with a very pointed question… “Where is your faith?” The Spirit of Truth uses Luke’s pen to show truth seekers that Jesus was exhorting His disciples to place their faith in Him. In all of life, including life’s most horrific storms, Christ is the Captain that commands His creation.

Christ the Captain sails with us. Maturing disciples learn to live in the presence of Jesus at all times. This Captain did not send His crew off into the unknown and remain behind, safely on shore. Christ went with them. He is our companion in every part of this temporal, training camp of life that is preparing us for eternity with Him. Just as the tabernacle housed the presence of the Lord in the midst of the children of Israel as they journeyed through inhospitable lands and hostile nations on their way to the land of promise, Jesus promises to accompany faithful disciples on our journey toward Heaven… “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He exhorts us to trust Him in every step along the way… “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1).

Christ the Captain sets our course. Maturing disciples learn to follow the lead of the Master even when it’s not clear where we’re going. He is our coxswain. The coxswain is the person who is in charge of a ship's boat and its crew, under an officer, and who steers it. This trip was not about getting to the other side. It was about building and maturing faith. Just as Israel’s journey from slavery to freedom required 40 years of wilderness wandering, our journey toward Heaven requires many life-interrupting and faith-shaping trials… “You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Christ the Captain settles our seas. Maturing disciples learn to let the trials of life refocus and sharpen our faith in the sovereignty of Christ. This Captain is not merely in control of His boat and its crew. Christ demonstrated His sovereignty over the elements that surrounded and sought to consume His ship and its precious passengers. He is in control of our cruise through this temporal life. Just as the cloud and pillar of fire over the tabernacle was a warning that kept Israel’s enemies at bay during their wilderness wanderings, diligent disciples can trust the Lord to deal with circumstances and people that would seek to distract us from our journey and mission too… “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Evidence of growing faith in Christ is growing peace in the midst of the temporary trials of this life… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we grow up into Christ maturing disciples have a growing faith in…

The Captain that Commands His Creation.