Matt. viii. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him ?
THE more we see of Christ, the more we are con- strained to admire him. Every fresh miracle discovers to us more of his unbounded power and grace. The disciples had often been struck with wonder at the miracles wrought by him. They now beheld a miracle
1337.] CHRIST STILLETH TUb; TEMPEST. 293
in which they themselves were deeply interested, and were stimulated by it to more exalted thoughts of his august character.
It will be profitable to inquire,
I. What it was at which they so marvelled —
The disciples in crossing the lake were overtaken by a storm, and were in imminent danger of being overwhelmed by the waves. In this strait they called upon their Lord for help —
[They had put to sea in compliance with their Lord's command^; yet were they not exempt from the dangers inci- dent to navigation. Christ himself submitted to be thus tossed by winds and waves, and in so doing has taught us what his Church must expect in this tempestuous world''. His disciples, having exerted themselves in vain, applied to him. In this they afford us a good example under our distresses. Perplexed by fear, and agitated by impatience, they addressed him rather in a querulous expostulation. Alas! how feeble is our nature under the pressure of heavy trials ! How apt are we to mix our supplications with complaints against God*^ ! They shewed however, with all their weakness, in whom their trust was, and that they had no hope but in his almighty aid.]
He immediately interposed for their deliverance —
[He could, if he had seen fit, have prevented the storm; but then the disciples would not have discovered their own weakness, nor have seen this marvellous display of their Master's power. It is for the same gracious ends that he permits our troubles''; and, when they have brought us to him in fervent supplication, he will deliver us from them. He arose from his pillow, and with authority rebuked the storm. Instantly the boisterous winds were hushed, and the roaring billows silenced. Though at other times the waters after a storm remained in a perturbed state, at his command they subsided to a perfect calm. Such is the effect his word produces on " the tempest- tossed soul." Terrors, that appalled the conscience, are dis- sipated as a cloud®. Temptations, that agitated the frame, are disarmed of their power ^, and afflictions, that overwhelmed the soul, are made to yield " the peaceable fruits of righteousness." Well might they marvel on an occasion like this. Nothing seems so much beyond the controul of man as the winds and waves ; but even these heard the voice and obeyed the will of
a ver, 18. b Acts xiv. 22.
c Job ill. 23. and vi. 4. and vii. 20. "^ 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. e Acts xvi. 29—34. i 2 Cor. xii. 9.