Ecce Homo (“Behold the man”), 30 x 40, oil on textured canvas. Joel Richard Briggs
I've been looking at this image on my phone lately, tracing the form of a resting Jesus with my thumb and reminding myself I'm not in the boat alone. That none of us is.
Amidst churning waves, a sea-slick deck and a groaning mast above it, there is a calm at the center of it all. A calm so confident it sleeps.
I don’t know what might be spinning in your world; what turbulence you might be feeling this April morning, or why. I do know this: Jesus is not rattled. He does not despair. He is present with enough power to secure the frailest craft against the strongest storm. He owns this sea. He made it with a word. How could I doubt He has the power to quiet it…or me?
However drenched you may be feeling, however weak your grip on your own boat’s battered beams, please receive this morning two beautiful gifts not from me, but from others: Ecce Homo by artist Joel Briggs (above) and "The Age-Long Minute" by poet Amy Carmichael (below).
Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow;
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea.
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee?
Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute,
While Thou art silent and the wind is shrill;
Can the boat sink while Thou, Dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?
Amy Carmichael
Power rests in our storm. Goodness sleeps without fear because it can. Love lies silent on the ropes, bound by nothing, ever.
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
(Mark4: 37-39)
You have captured this life experience with a powerful image and fitting story and encouraging words. Thank you! This goes a long way toward lessening discouragement and providing strength! I receive it gratefully.
Shawn