Luke : Day 18

Read Luke 8: 22-56

Ever feel like life is just too much? Like everything is getting on top of you, or out of control? Life just seems like a series of storms, and you’re being battered around day after day.

We’ve read about four more of Jesus’ miracles, but did you notice that in each of them, Jesus brought peace to the situation? The first was the calming of a literal storm – the other three resulted in traumatic or painful situations being put right.

The demon-possessed man had no control of his own life. He went from being kept in chains to wandering naked in tombs. Imagine his confusion, isolation and fear! But after the Son of God stepped in, he was sitting listening to Jesus, ‘dressed and in his right mind’ (verse 35).

The woman with the chronic haemorrhage had not only suffered physically for twelve years, but had spent all her money. She would have been an outcast from Jewish society since she was permanently unclean due to her bleeding. This may explain why she was so secretive and scared. But Jesus brought peace and wholeness to her life (verse 48).

Finally, Jairus’ home was filled with mourners who were wailing at the sad death of a young girl. But Jesus demonstrated His power, raising her back to life and bringing peace and happiness to the home!

The promised Messiah was described by the prophet Isaiah as the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6). That is who Jesus proved Himself to be.

Christians know that God does not promise to fix all our problems. But He does promise us peace, even in the problems. The Bible says that when we bring our worries to God in prayer, He gives us a peace which we cannot explain to ‘guard our hearts’ Philippians 4:6-7). It also says that those who trust in God will be kept in ‘perfect peace’ (Isaiah 26:3). Peter, who was one of the twelve disciples who witnessed these miracles, wrote, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

If you’re looking for peace, look no further than Jesus.

“He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”

Luke 8:24