The Ship Tossed - Matthew 14:24

Matthew the apostle wrote when Jesus, “had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-four of his book, Matthew shares how, “the ship was … tossed with waves” where we read:

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

The verse reads, “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves:”. Matthew began with the word, “but” which means “nevertheless, moreover and” “the ship” or “the sailing vessel or boat” “was now in the midst” which means “was at this particular time in the middle” “of the sea” or “of the large body of water upon which the disciples were sailing”, “tossed with waves” which mean “tortured with grievous pains, harassed and distressed by swellings of the waters and sea”. Matthew shared how the “vessel” upon which the disciples were sailing encountered a “storm” upon the sea that rocked them with great swelling of “waves”.

The verse goes on to say, “for the wind was contrary.” Matthew continued with the words, “for the wind” which means “because and since the violent agitation and stream of air or the tempestuous wind” “was contrary” or “was hostile, antagonistic and against the boat”. Matthew shared how there were “violent winds” which were blowing against the disciple's boat.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the disciples of Jesus encountered a “storm” while they were in obedience to His instructions. Jesus told them to “go to the other side”, and yet, they faced this “contrary” storm. God always has a plan in mind when He gives direction to His children, and although they may wonder why a “storm” impedes their progress, He knows the outcome well in advance. Those who put their “faith and trust” in Jesus Christ as “Savior and Lord” of their lives will be instructed by Him, and should they encounter a “storm” along the way, let them call out to the “master of the seas” who is able to bring them through any antagonist and violent “winds” they face.

Next time we see Matthew shares Jesus was, “walking on the sea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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