Lenten Devotional March 18, 2022

Scripture

Mark 4:35-41

35 On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to [the disciples], "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Devotional

Jason Dauer ’21

Life has felt like a never-ending storm these last two years. Just as we think the seasickness is going away, another storm comes. As we strengthen our “sea legs,” another wave hits the side of the boat, and we’re thrown off-balance. Meanwhile, Jesus is sleeping through all of it!

My favorite Lent song is “Wake Up, Jesus” by The Porter’s Gate. The song is a desperate cry for help from Jesus. It is a simple song that yearns for a response: “Jesus, when you gonna wake up? / When you gonna wake up and calm this raging sea? / Jesus, when you gonna wake up? / When you gonna wake up? / How can you sleep when we're in need?”

The call for help is simple: Jesus, wake up! The dramatic irony of this song and Scripture is that we know Jesus wakes up and everything is okay in the end, but that’s not how it always works. Having faith doesn’t make the seasickness go away or help us sturdy our legs. Storms can still make boats sink, cargo can fall overboard, and people can drown. In the chorus, The Porter’s Gate sings, “Just one word from the Maker and all the waves will be made still / Just one touch from the Healer and all will be made well.”

In Lent, we cry out for God to respond. We could all create a list of the things we would like God to do, yet we plead for a simple response—just one word. What is the word you need to hear from God today? What is the word that might give you peace? Is it a command to the storm to be still, or is it an encouragement for you to rest and take care of yourself? Meditate on this word today and make it your prayer. Is it peace, breathe, rest? Maybe it’s eat, drink, or sleep.

Prayer

Sleeping Jesus, wake up! We need you. How can you sleep when there is so much injustice in the world, when your children are continually in danger? Wake up, and speak a word to us or the storm. Tell the powers and principalities to stop. Tell us to rest and sleep like you. Remind us to eat and take care of our bodies. But Jesus, please wake up. Amen.