Real Hope: PeaceSample

Cushions

I often wonder at what point the disciples decided that it might be a good idea to wake their Messiah up. Were there are few ‘ahems’ in the hope that He may stir? Perhaps a light tap on one shoulder or even a polite shake of the shoulders. Maybe at first. But as things got worse, I tend to think they woke Jesus from His peaceful slumber with loud urgency.

There’s a small detail in the story that’s so interesting. Jesus was sleeping with His head on a cushion. This minor and seemingly insignificant detail tells us two things. Firstly, Jesus was tired and needed rest because, just like us, He was human. We can forget this sometimes and see Him as a Godlike figure who only looked human gliding across the earth, not having to sleep, eat, drink, bathe, or even go to the bathroom. It almost seems disrespectful to think of Jesus having to do some of these very human things, but He did. He was fully God and fully human.

Secondly, He had utter peace within the storm. He trusted His Father so completely that He was in a deep sleep in the midst of the howling winds and crashing waves around Him. Peace flows from a heart that trusts in a good Father who is always there for us.

Speaking of cushions and the sea. There is a submariners’ term: ‘Cushion of the Sea’. Submarines will cruise deep within the ocean finding the perfect depth for the best results. Although the ocean may be whipped into huge waves by high winds up above, the deep waters are calm and peaceful. Like Jesus during the storm, we need to go deep and find our ‘Cushion of the Sea’.

Written by ROBBIE PARKIN