Harsh Words

When we are exhausted, we sometimes say things harshly.

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away." Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." But he said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" - Luke 8:16-25

Jesus was tired. He fell asleep as soon as they got into the boat and started across the sea.

And he was sleeping through the storm. So, he had to be exhausted, and that explains why he was so short-tempered with everyone, including his mother!

His mother and brothers knew he was overwhelmed. They couldn't even reach him. 

If she could have reached him and heard what he said, maybe she would have smacked him in the head.

It is refreshing in a way to see Jesus acting this way. It makes us realize that we are OK despite our flaws and mood swings.

If Jesus could succumb to human emotions, we can too.

As far as the storm goes I don't think he expected them to be able to still the wind. That's not what he meant by having no faith.

They should have realized that they would be alright because Jesus was with them.

We should be alright, too.

Jesus is always with us, and we need to have faith. We should show the world our light and let them know we believe we will be OK.

It will be hard at times, but we can do it.

And if we lose our temper, so be it.

More to come...