Faith vs. Storms

  Another aspect of the Kingdom of God on earth, brought up by the typhoon, is that there will be no more destructive storms.  We can deduce this because we have the example of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41).  After Jesus simply speaks to the storm, "Quiet!  Be still!", the wind dies and the waters are calm.  Then he chastises the disciples for not having enough faith.  They had not recognized that his miracle-working power extended to storms even though they had already seen him heal many people and cast out demons.  As Jesus healed people, he taught them that "the Kingdom of God is near" so they should "repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15).  This was a new kingdom, not like any other kingdom they had ever seen.  Did they have the faith to believe it and to tell others about it and demonstrate how it was different?

  For reflection:  Do I believe that the Kingdom of God on earth is near?  That it is different?  Do I have the faith to calm storms?  If I banded together with other people, would I have the faith to stop typhoons?
  Let us pray.  Jesus, I've never even prayed to stop a storm before.  I've always just prayed for the people to endure and recover.  Help me have the faith to believe and to act when there is a threat.

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