The Wind Ceased

 Yesterday, my daily translation exercise brought me to Matthew 14:32, a brief verse which reads:

 “And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”

 Working out the translation was simple and straightforward so that was not what grabbed me. I’ve read this verse many times over the years, but never felt the impact of those words until yesterday.

 The flow of the chapter includes Jesus feeding the five thousand. After that pericope concludes, Jesus immediately sends his disciples via a boat across the Sea of Galilee. Once they have departed, he goes up on a mountain and prays.

Bringing the various Gospel accounts together, we find the disciples are making little headway because of the strong, stormy winds flowing over the sea. These men are professional fishermen, familiar with boats and intense winds. According to John’s account and the geography of the sea, we can estimate the disciples had only gone about two-thirds of the distance despite rowing for several hours.

 Suddenly, they see a figure walking on the water. They are terrified. Jesus calms His followers by calling out to them. Peter, in a moment of faith and courage, requests Jesus to let him walk on the water. We know the story, of course. Jesus does so, Peter steps out and briefly walks on the water, notices the wind and the waves, and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him, and the Lord graciously does. The next scene brings us to Matthew 14:32.

 “And when they (i.e., Jesus and Peter) got into the boat THE WIND CEASED.”

 Amazing! After battling the wind for hours, it suddenly ceases when Jesus and Peter are in the boat. I’m convinced it is a miracle performed by Christ. Whether or not, though, that is not what struck me. Let me explain.

 The Christian walking in this world is constantly battling the winds. These may be financial winds, employment winds, relationship winds, or a combination of various winds. Life, even for the believer, is difficult while he lives in this sinful society. He has the indwelling Spirit. He has the forgiveness procured by Christ. He has the love of God revealed by our regeneration. Nevertheless, he must battle those winds every day. There are days when the winds are stronger than other days. He is one of those disciples in the boat struggling against the winds. Then Jesus comes. He comes through our meditation of Scripture. He comes as we call out to God in prayer. He comes as we hear the Word of God proclaimed. The believer remembers all Christ has done on his behalf. He came to save sinners and the believer is one. That salvation required Christ’s death on the cross. The Lord’s death guarantees the believer’s forgiveness of all sin, payment for all sin, and assurance of a future home in glory where there will be no more sin.

 As he reflects upon these truths and Christ’s promises, the winds cease. He becomes more calm and more confident. Considering Christ even for a moment during such troubles will bring joy and peace to one’s soul.

 Yes, the winds will return. They may take a different form (e.g., car breakdown, unexpected illness) but they will be back possibly with even more fury. When they come, let us consider our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and experience a respite from the storm.

 “And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”