From Heaven With Love

Jesus Cared

Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. “Master, Master!” But their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of their distress? HLv 224.1

Again they called, but there was no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Apparently they were to be swallowed up by the hungry waters. HLv 224.2

Suddenly a flash of lightning pierced the darkness, and they saw Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement they exclaimed, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” HLv 224.3

Their cry aroused Jesus. As the lightning's glare revealed Him, they saw the peace of heaven in His face; they saw in His glance tender love, and they cried, “Lord, save us: we perish.” HLv 224.4

Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasped their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rose. While the tempest raged and the waves broke over them, He lifted His hand and said to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” HLv 224.5

The billows sank, the clouds rolled away, and the stars shone forth. The boat rested on a quiet sea. Then Jesus asked sorrowfully, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” RSV. HLv 224.6

A hush fell upon the disciples. Terror and despair had seized the occupants of the boats that had set out to accompany Jesus. The storm had driven the boats into close proximity, and all on board beheld the miracle. The people whispered among themselves, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” HLv 224.7

When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, there was no trace of fear in word or look. But He rested not in possession of almighty power. It was not as “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down. “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father's might. It was in faith—faith in God's love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God. HLv 225.1

So we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. The disciples’ fear in time of danger revealed their unbelief. They forgot Jesus, and only when they turned to Him could He give them help. HLv 225.2

How often when tempests of temptation gather we battle with the storm alone. We trust to our own strength till we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. He never fails to give us the help we need. If we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. The Redeemer will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows best. HLv 225.3

“The wicked are like the troubled sea.” Isaiah 57:20. Sin has destroyed our peace. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But however fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet; and He brought them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29, 30, RSV. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1. HLv 225.4

In the early morning the Saviour and His companions came to shore. The light of the rising sun touched sea and land with the benediction of peace. But as they stepped on the beach, their eyes were greeted by a sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest. Two madmen rushed on them as if to tear them to pieces. Hanging about these men were parts of chains they had broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh was torn and bleeding. Their eyes glared out from under their long and matted hair. Demons possessed them, and they looked more like wild beasts than like men. HLv 226.1

The disciples fled in terror; but presently they turned to look for Jesus. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled the tempest did not flee. When the men, foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer. HLv 226.2

With authority Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons. But when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.” HLv 226.3

Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” And the answer was, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” The demons begged Jesus not to send them out of the country. On a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine was feeding. Into these the demons asked to be allowed to enter. Immediately the herd rushed madly down the cliff, plunged into the lake, and perished. HLv 226.4

Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs. Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence. With glad voices the men praised God for deliverance. HLv 226.5

From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had occurred, and they hurried away to publish the news to their employers. In fear and amazement the whole population flocked to meet Jesus. The demoniacs had been the terror of the country. No one had been safe to pass where they were. Now these men were clothed and in their right mind, listening to Jesus’ words and glorifying Him who had made them whole. But the people did not rejoice. The loss of the swine seemed greater than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. HLv 226.6

The owners of the swine were absorbed in earthly things and cared not for the great interests of spiritual life. Jesus desired to break the spell of selfish indifference, that they might accept His grace. But indignation for their temporal loss blinded their eyes to the Saviour's mercy. HLv 227.1