Seeing the Great I AM in the Storms of Life

Of all the miracles Jesus ever performed, one of the most memorable was the time when He walked across the Sea of Galilee. This impressive miracle is recorded in three of the four Gospel accounts (cf. Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21). Matthew‘s account reveals that Peter actually tried to join the Lord on the water before sinking due to his lapse in faith. John‘s account helps us to visualize that this event happened just after the multitude fed by the loaves and fishes tried to crown Jesus as king and eventually left from following Him. When we put all three accounts together, however, we clearly see how this moment was a true turning point for the apostle‘s faith. Evidently, the Savior‘s apostles were still struggling with some doubts and questions until this unforgettable evening, but this miracle helped them to see more clearly who Jesus was, is, and forever more will be!

Turning our attention to Mark 6, we learn that Jesus has just sent His apostles away towards the other side of the Sea of Galilee after a politically charged scene erupted following the feeding of the multitude. Several miles out to sea, however, the apostles encountered a powerful storm in which ―they were making headway painfully (v.48). With each moment that passed, the chasm between Jesus and the disciples grew larger in this terrible storm. The disciples were likely rowing for close to nine hours just to keep the boat upright (see vv.47-48). They were getting weary and likely feeling hopeless. But just when all hope seemed to be lost, Jesus appeared in the blackness of the storm tossed sea, and the text says He ―meant to pass by them (v.48). In the Bible, when God is said to have ―passed by, a reference is being made to God displaying glimpses of His divinity, glory, and power (cf. Exodus 33:18-23; 1 Kings 19:11). Jesus, therefore, intended for the weary apostles to see His power and might as God. This is why He said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (v.50). Literally, in the Greek, that phrase looks something more like this—I AM—a phrase used in the Bible to refer to God‘s deity, power, and eternal existence (cf. Exodus 3:15; John 8:58). Jesus wanted His weary, discouraged, and doubting apostles to see Him as the one true God—the great I AM! Indeed, this miracle had such an effect on their doubting hearts; it caused them to confess ―truly you are the Son of God (Matthew 14:33). This storm and the miracle helped the doubting apostles to see Jesus as the great I AM!

At the end of the day, we aren‘t much different from the apostles. We all struggle with doubts, fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. Even the strongest children of God needed to be reminded of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Savior wants us to see Him as the great ―I AM, especially in the midst of the storms of life. He wants us to know that He sees what we are going through, He knows our problems and struggles, and He deeply cares about our soul. Our storms might seem strong and powerful, but we need to be regularly reminded that our God is even greater!

– Brandon Baggett

Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.