Under Control
MC Midweek Oct. 19, 2022
by Jeff Prince, Minister to Students
Recently, I’ve attended a bunch of soccer games. I almost froze to death Monday night (not really, but you know what I mean) in Batavia watching the Reading guys. I’ll be in Reading tonight for a girls’ tournament game and who knows where I’ll travel to next. Let’s just say I’ve already seen and heard a lot: great goals, soft goals, ticket prices are up, the Reading press box announcer is incredibly entertaining, a Yellow Springs’ parent got tossed from a Badin game at Spooky Nook, the officiating is always questioned and almost every fan has an opinion. When I see a disputed call that doesn’t go the way I think it should, I’ve trained myself to watch the head coach. If he rises and reacts verbally, my instincts are usually confirmed. However, if he remains seated and silent, I go back to watching the game as if nothing ever happened; even if the crowd behind me keeps buzzing. The coach knows best and if he’s under control, so should I be.
One day, Jesus began teaching by the lake and a large crowd gathered around him; so large, in fact, that both Matthew and Mark tell us that Jesus got into a boat so that he could teach the people from the lake. After sharing several ‘Kingdom of God’ parables, Jesus said to his followers, “Come with me across lake.” So, they left the crowd behind and went with Jesus in the boat he was already in. As it often did, a very bad wind came up on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat and it was almost full of water. However, Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. He wasn’t scared, afraid or worried at all; He had it all under control. Instead of remembering the invitation to sail with Jesus to the other side of the lake, His followers went and woke him up. They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!” In response, Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then, the wind stopped and the lake became calm.
If Jesus truly invites you to go somewhere with Him, get in the boat. Although you may perceive and experience troubles along the way, don’t be afraid (it’s easier said than done). Put your faith in Jesus; who knows, He might be taking a nap.
It’s supposed to be colder tonight. I should probably go home and put on even more warm clothing. As always, I’ll have my eyes on the coach and I’m sure he will have everything under control. Have the best month and I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.
