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In this story of Jesus calming the storm we learn that Jesus was able to perform a pretty awesome miracle way back in AD 28.

 But if that were all this story was about, then one wonders what the story has to do with us today?

If this is simply a story about Jesus stilling a weather storm , then it is nothing more other than a cracking good tale.

But the meaning of this story is far greater than that.  The meaning of this story is not that Jesus stopped a storm in Galilee;

·the meaning is that wherever Jesus is he brings peace and calm.

·Whenever he is invited to act in people’s lives, he turns tempests to peace.

·Whenever he is in authority peace prevails.

·It means that whatever storms may blow in our lives, in our communities, there is peace to be found in the presence and authority of Jesus.

Today is Hiroshima Day,  the day when world peace is celebrated.

This is a little ironic when one considers the terrible wars which currently beggar the world.

Apart from the obvious example of Lebanon we know that the people of Israel; Palestine; Iraq; Sudan; Sri Lanka; Algeria; Western Sahara; Congo; Colombia; Nepal; Pakistan; Ivory Coast; Haiti and India are all struggling with the ravages of war.

When we read in the newspapers about the conflicts and abusethat are a part of so many of the relationships of our people here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, we may well ask ourselves:

Where is peace? Why is it so hard to find? What needs to happen for peace to reign in the world; in our communities and in our lives?

The  story we read today, provides a simple answer to these questions.

Notice I didn’t say an easy, I said simple answer.

As I understand it, peace is not just the absence of war.

The Bible tells us that true peace is the wisdom that comes from God. We read in James 3: 17

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and peace loving”.

Peace happens when people allow God’s reign of love and truth  and justice to prevail. Simply put peace is when Jesus is in control.

It is my observation that wherever there is war whether it be over religion ( so called in the name of God) or money or land or human rights, the people perpetrating such conflicts invariably have drifted from the Gospel preached by Jesus Christ and have usurped Jesus’ authority.

Look again at the story of the boat in the storm. When the disciples called on Jesus, put their trust in him and surrendered to his authority, then there was peace.

We learn from the Bible especially from the letters of  St Paul that discord and disharmony comes from

Prejudice and hate; from intolerance; the desire for revenge; greed; lack of love and compassion and arrogance.

Jesus teaches us that God’s will and kingdom is about the =exact opposite of these and it is about love and forgiveness; hospitality and generosity, compassion and humility.

These are the Gospel principles which Jesus both modelled and taught.

Now imagine if each of us applied these principles to our lives and our relationships. Imagine if our communities operated in accordance with them.

Imagine if those in positions of power designed their policies; economies and strategic plans around these Gospel principles.

Imagine if the leaders of nations and diplomats applied them when they negotiated with each other.

What a God honouring world this would be!

If Jesus were to be summoned and his help enlisted whenever we faced a stormy challenge,

if people; communities and nations submitted to his  authority and placed their faith in his Gospel of truth; justice and love, as the disciples did on that stormy day in Galilee, what a peaceful loving place this world would be.

If Jesus the prince of peace, were allowed to stand at the helm of our power structures and God’s laws and will were obeyed here on earth,

then surely all people of the earth would be able to enjoy a peace that was built on truth, justice and love.

So simple, yes, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it is easily achieved.

Power seems to corrupt humans; people are generally greedy; and we are all flawed.

It was people just like us who nailed our peace loving saviour to the cross.

But we must never forget that we His church have been called to live in peace.

We, as Christ’s  body here on earth, have been  summoned to be peace makers.

Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God’.

Christ has promised us his peace and we must share it with others.

This is not an easy peace, forit is based on truth and justice, not an insignificant peace, because it is based on hospitality and love;  

it is not a half-hearted peace, for it is rooted in forgiveness and compassion,  but it is authentic peace which we must share with the world, starting in our own lives, our own relationships and in our own communities and then extending to our own spheres of influence : our work places; our leisure places and even the corridors of our governments. We each of us must do all we can whatever we can and wherever we are placed to bring Christ’s peace into the world.

Well yes you say and practically speaking what might all this mean for me? What can I do?

I Googled that very question and came up with at least 50 suggestions. They are as follows:

However , at the end of the day, you will know in your own heart of hearts what God is calling you to do at this time. My advice is get on with it and do it, for the glory of His name and for the extension of His peace here on earth.