Talitha Koum, Little Girl Get Up (Mark 5:21-43)

 

Talitha Koum, Little Girl Get Up (Mark 5:21-43)

What is the most painful thing for parents? It is when their child is sick or something is wrong with their well-being. Conversely, seeing a child grow up healthy is nothing but a joy.

In Mark 5:21-43, Jesus blessed the faith of Jairus, a synagogue leader, and a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. No matter the situation, if we come before the Lord with faith, He does not turn us away but pours out boundless blessings from heaven.

My Little Daughter Is Dying

21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. (Mark 5:21-24)

In the midst of the large crowd, a synagogue leader named Jairus came before Jesus and fell at His feet. Clearly, he came with a story. Since synagogue leaders belonged to the group of religious leaders, it might seem expected for him to oppose Jesus. However, not everyone opposed Him. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, yet he was one of the hidden disciples who followed Jesus (John 7:50-51).

Jairus came and knelt before Jesus because his young daughter was sick and dying. As a father, when his young daughter fell gravely ill, he did everything he could, just as any father would. However, nothing was effective. Meanwhile, the daughter's condition worsened to the point of death.

Ultimately, he came before Jesus and knelt at His feet to plead. Neither doctors nor medicine could heal his daughter, but he believed Jesus could. How did he believe Jesus could heal what even doctors could not?

Of course, he would have heard the rumors that Jesus healed every kind of sickness. However, hearing does not mean everyone believes. The Pharisees and teachers of the law heard Jesus’ words and saw the signs and wonders He performed with their own eyes, yet they did not believe. Rather, they considered Jesus a lawbreaker who violated the Law of Moses and opposed Him. Jesus saw Jairus's faith and headed toward his house.

Faith is a gift from God given from heaven. People who acted by faith did not doubt the God of promise in the face of impossible situations but believed and acted according to that faith. The promise given to Abraham seemed impossible to fulfill for a man without a single son (Genesis 12:2-3).

However, although Abraham and Sarah could not see God in heaven and did not receive the promise during their lifetime, they kept their faith until the end (Romans 4:18-22; Hebrews 11:39). This is entirely by God's grace.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

The Woman Who Had Suffered from Bleeding for Twelve Years

25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. (Mark 5:25-29)

While Jesus was on His way to Jairus's house, a woman came behind Him, touched His clothes, and her sickness was healed. This woman had suffered from bleeding for 12 years. Her property, body, and mind were damaged and exhausted. Of course, because she had an "unclean" disease, she could not even go to the temple. While hospital bills increased day by day, there was no improvement; rather, it grew worse.

However, a gift of faith from heaven was given to that woman. She had begun to be ill long before Jesus started His public ministry. Upon hearing the rumors of Jesus' compassion, mercy, and kindness, faith grew in her heart. If an unclean person touches another person, that person becomes unclean (Numbers 19:22).

Therefore, the woman could not come forward to the front of Jesus like Jairus but came from behind. She believed that even touching the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her long-standing illness. According to her faith, the source of her bleeding dried up, and she realized she was healed. Jesus said that even with faith as small as a mustard seed, one could pick up a mountain and throw it into the sea.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Daughter, Your Faith Has Healed You

30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:30-34)

Now that the woman was healed, she wanted to hurry home without anyone knowing. However, because Jesus was looking for who had touched his clothes, she had no choice but to come forward and confess. The disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. But Jesus, knowing that power had gone out from him, kept looking for her.

The woman came before Jesus, trembling with fear as she confessed. She was afraid she might be rebuked for secretly touching his clothes. But Jesus told her not to be afraid and blessed her:

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Jesus didn't look for her because he didn't know who she was; he did it for her sake. He called this woman—who had been banned from entering the temple—"Daughter," acknowledging her as a daughter of God. He confirmed that it was the faith given from above that had made her well.

When Jesus was told that his family had arrived because of rumors that he was out of his mind, he spoke about who his true mother, brothers, and sisters are. He said they are whoever does God’s will—those who act by faith (Mark 3:35).

In truth, it wasn't just touching Jesus' clothes that healed her; it was her faith. God does not look at outward appearances. He doesn't look at metrics like Sunday service attendance, Bible study, offerings, or evangelism numbers. He looks only at faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Don’t Be Afraid; Just Believe

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36)

While they were delayed by this incident, urgent news came from Jairus' house. His daughter was dead, so there was no point in Jesus coming anymore. At this, Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, but just to believe.

Humanity lies under the power of death. In fact, death swallows everything. That is why people are terrified and afraid of it. But in Jesus, there is no death. In God, humans are eternal beings (1 Timothy 6:16).

Jesus told Jairus to keep the faith he first had, even though he heard the news that his daughter had died. It was hard for Jairus even to accept Jesus' words. Instead, dark shadows of despair and frustration tried to fill his heart and thoughts, but he held onto the thread of Jesus' words.

Jesus is the life and the resurrection (John 11:25-26). Jesus reveals his power to those who believe. Anyone who is in Christ does not face death (Romans 6:8-11). Jesus was glad to be delayed by the woman with the bleeding condition so that he could teach the truth of the resurrection.

The Child Is Not Dead But Asleep

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. (Mark 5:37-43)

Jesus allowed only three disciples to follow and felt sorrow over the people's loud wailing and commotion. He had compassion for lives suffering under the power of death. Jesus rebuked those who were wailing and said the child was not dead but asleep, but the people laughed at him. They put their own experience ahead of the words of the Creator God. This is what a world without faith looks like.

Jesus sent out all the people who lacked faith. He entered the room where the child was with her parents and the disciples. Jesus took the child’s hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" and the child stood up and walked.

The people were completely astonished. However, Jesus gave strict orders not to let anyone know. Jesus becomes the power of resurrection to those who believe. Without faith, one cannot know the power of the resurrection. Jesus revealed this power to the disciples and the parents and told them to keep it as internal evidence within them.

Faith is a gift from God sent down from heaven. Through this faith, we realize the secrets of the kingdom of heaven and obey. God adds faith to those who are obedient. Abraham was tested in his faith and obeyed God's word by offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Through faith, he realized that God is the power and glory of resurrection and obeyed.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (Hebrews 11:19)

Amen!

February 15, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Come Out of This Man, You Impure Spirit! (Mark 5:1-20)

 

Come Out of This Man, You Impure Spirit! (Mark 5:1-20)

No one wants to live among the tombs. Yet, there are people in this world who do. Of course, this doesn't just mean physically living in a graveyard; it refers to being trapped under the bondage and dominion of demons.

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus went to the region of the Gerasenes and met a man possessed by demons. Jesus commanded the demon to come out, saving the man. He then instructed him to go to his family and testify to the great mercy and grace God had shown him.

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man (Mt 8:28-34; Lk 8:26-39)

1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. (Mark 5:1-5)

After the storm was calmed, the boat reached the region of the Gerasenes. This area was part of the Decapolis (the Ten Cities), where Roman legions were stationed. The pig farms in this region were a major business, supplying the Roman military.

The disciples had just been terrified of dying in the great storm. But as soon as the boat touched land, they were met by a man with an impure spirit coming out from the tombs. Even when bound with chains, he snapped them; he broke the irons on his feet, and no one could control him. He lived among the dead in the tombs, crying out night and day and cutting himself with stones.

It is a scene almost too tragic and horrific to witness. This man was possessed by demons. A demon had entered him, taking his soul captive, driving him to extremes, and tormenting him. Though demons are invisible, they are real.

An evil spirit, also known as Satan, appeared to the woman in the Garden of Eden to tempt her (Gen 3:1). In the story of Job, Satan incited God to strike Job’s children, his wealth, and eventually his body, plunging him into a horrific state (Job 1:9-12, 2:4-6). Satan even tempted the Lord Jesus Christ three times and mocked Him to "come down" while He suffered on the cross (Mt 4:1-11, 27:42).

The devil inflicts atrocious harm on people and feels no pity. Instead, he seeks to kill in the most vicious, cruel, and miserable way possible. He doesn't even blink an eye. There is no truth or goodness in him—only lies and murder (Jn 8:44). Because there is no goodness or truth in him, he is "impure."

While Satan attacked the woman and Job from the outside, the demon-possessed man of the Gerasenes was controlled from the inside. The demon lived within him, keeping him in bondage. This shows how violent, cruel, and mercilessly destructive the devil intends to be.

However, the devil is merely one of God's creatures. He has no choice but to submit to the authority and power of the Lord. Although Satan accused Job without cause to bring him down, the reality is that he couldn't touch a single hair on Job's head without permission. He operates only within the boundaries allowed by God. Yet, the moment God permits it, Satan strikes as ruthlessly as he did with Job.

God, who is love and grace, is not unaware of this. In fact, God was the one who first mentioned Job's faith and faithfulness to Satan. God already knew Satan was watching Job, waiting for an opportunity. God's permission to Satan was not for Satan's benefit, but for Job's refinement (Job 40:3-5).

Don't Torture Me!

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had been saying to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” (Mark 5:6-8)

The possessed man displays a very conflicted attitude. On one hand, he falls on his knees before the Creator and calls Him "Jesus, Son of the Most High God." Yet, at the same time, he begs Jesus to leave him alone and not torture him. He said this because Jesus had already commanded the impure spirit to come out of him.

This is exactly why Jesus came to this earth: to rescue those groaning and suffering under the bondage of demons.

Jesus was so busy doing good that he didn't even have time to eat, leading to rumors that he was "out of his mind" (Mark 3:21). Furthermore, when He drove out demons, the teachers of the law accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul—the prince of demons—claiming He used that power to drive out spirits (Mark 3:22).

To this, Jesus responded that no one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man (Mark 3:27). In this parable, the "strong man" refers to the demon. The demon uses its strength to enslave, torment, and ruin people. But Jesus, through the power of His blood, binds Satan and rescues people from his grasp.

What is Your Name?

9 Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. (Mark 5:9-13)

The man’s name was "Legion" because he was possessed by a vast number of demons. Of course, this wasn't his real name. Because the demons controlled him, he lost the name his parents gave him and his identity as a member of a family and society. He fell into extreme loneliness and pain among the tombs.

No one welcomed him or visited him. Instead, people avoided him out of fear. When people did approach him, it was only to chain him up. He was utterly ignored and abandoned by everyone.

Who would want to live in a dark, silent graveyard? The devil ruthlessly drove this man into a miserable state, crushing a human being made in the image of God. This is the reality for those caught in the deception of the enemy—the ruler of the kingdom of the air. It manifests as strife, fraud, violence, natural disasters, and global conflicts that create countless refugees.

The demons begged Jesus not to send them away. Even they must bow to the command of Jesus Christ, the Creator. They trembled in His presence. When Jesus permitted them to enter the pigs, the entire herd of two thousand drowned. Satan's ultimate target is humanity, but he is merciless toward anything—animals or property—to cause destruction (Job 1-2).

A Life More Valuable Than the World

The demons caused massive financial loss to the local pig industry. Yet, Jesus allowed this because nothing is more urgent than saving a person from the grip of the enemy. Jesus taught that a human life is worth more than the whole world (Matthew 16:26; Luke 9:25).

We aren't here by accident. God created us to rule over creation (Genesis 1:28; Ephesians 2:6). Though we are currently "lower than the angels" on this earth, we are crowned with glory and honor, with all things placed under our feet (Hebrews 2:7-9). Our time on earth is a "school time"—a pilgrim’s journey to heaven. Though temptations and pains persist, Jesus Christ binds the enemy through His blood and saves us.

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

The People Pleaded with Jesus to Leave their Region

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (Mark 5:14-20)

When the townspeople saw the man healed, they were afraid. Because of their financial loss, they asked Jesus to leave. To them, their economic gain was more important than a soul being freed from the devil's chains. Their eyes were blinded to the value of life; they only sought immediate profit.

However, the man who was healed wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus instead told him to go home and testify about the mercy he had received. To keep the grace we've been given is to witness to it. To stay in that grace is to obey His word and follow the way of the cross.

Jesus endured the shame and pain of the cross to save this world from Satan's bonds. He saw our freedom as His joy (Hebrews 12:2). Proving God's mercy isn't just about words; it’s about how we live—following the Truth and rejecting the lies of the enemy.

We face many hardships, and the devil tries to plant a sense of loss or deception in us. But through the blood of Christ, we are already free! He may try to swallow us, but he cannot harm us. Amen!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Amen!

February 8, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Who Is This, That Even the Wind and the Waves Obey Him? (Mark 4:35-41)

 

Who Is This, That Even the Wind and the Waves Obey Him? (Mark 4:35-41)

No one wants to run into trouble. For humans, the sea is a dangerous place. While sailing, one can encounter violent storms and face shipwreck or sinking. Every year, many people lose their lives by drowning in seas, rivers, and lakes.

Our journey through life is much like navigating a rough sea. Natural disasters, accidents, illnesses, broken relationships, and the pressures and stresses of daily life can strike at any moment. That is why people buy insurance to prepare for accidents. Yet, the harsh reality is that no matter how much we prepare, we cannot avoid everything.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples to go to the other side. Along the way, they hit a massive storm. Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and made them calm. The disciples were amazed, wondering who Jesus was that even the wind and the sea obeyed him.

Let us go over to the other side

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. (Mark 4:35-36)

What was Jesus’ daily life like? He was constantly surrounded by crowds. The twelve disciples and others stayed with him every day. His mother and other women also accompanied him and cared for his needs (Mark 15:41).

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus went out to a solitary place to pray to God the Father (Mark 1:35). He taught the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to those who came to him. He spoke using many parables and explained them to his disciples (Mark 4:34).

At times, Jesus didn't even have a chance to eat, leading to rumors that he was "out of his mind" (Mark 3:21). Because word spread that he healed the sick, so many people gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door (Mark 2:2). Even at night, people brought the sick to him (Mark 1:32-34).

Jesus also clashed with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law over Sabbath regulations, primarily because he healed people on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6; Luke 13:10-17; John 5:1-18). The Pharisees rejected and denied Jesus Christ—who came as the Son of God—and eventually handed him over to Pilate to be crucified.

Jesus repeatedly told his disciples that he would suffer at the hands of the Pharisees and priests, be killed, and then rise again (Mark 9:31; Luke 9:44; Matthew 17:22-23). As Jews, the young disciples expected a Messiah like King David. They followed Jesus believing he was that kind of Messiah.

Consequently, it was not easy for them to accept a suffering Christ (Mark 8:32). Jesus spent significant time with them, teaching the secrets of the kingdom and planting the gospel of the cross and resurrection. Above all, Jesus cherished and protected the disciples who had left everything to follow him, loving them to the point of giving up his life.

As evening fell, Jesus suggested going to the other side of the sea to spend time with his disciples. The young disciples felt burdened by the crowds that followed them regardless of time or place (Matthew 14:15). It was also quite uncomfortable for them to witness Jesus constantly clashing with the Pharisees and priests (Matthew 15:12). Jesus knew their situation and their hearts (Luke 21:18). He knew they needed rest and recharging. Jesus was the Good Shepherd to his disciples (John 10:11).

A furious squall came up

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:37-38)

While crossing the Sea of Galilee, a massive storm arose, and waves surged as if to swallow the boat. At that moment, Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. In contrast, the disciples—some of whom were experienced fishermen in these very waters—were filled with the fear of death.

This scene is hard to wrap one's head around. How could a massive storm try to swallow the boat when Jesus Christ, the Creator God who made the heavens and the earth, was on board? Yet, no matter how great the storm, it could not startle the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator.

Jesus took on human form through the Incarnation; he felt fatigue and hunger. He faced criticism, accusations, and ridicule. However, nothing could shock, anger, or terrify Him.

Through this event, Jesus taught the disciples a new truth (Mark 4:41). Someone once said, "I used to hope for good things to happen. These days, I just hope for nothing to happen." Sometimes our hearts sink when we get a long-distance call from family living far away. Our lists of prayer requests are so diverse and long.

Like the disciples, we often cry out in panic and complain to the peacefully sleeping Jesus. In the midst of hardship or pain, we feel as though God is just a bystander doing nothing.

However, the storm is a tool that leads us to the Lord. The pain and suffering we face in life are evidence of God’s holy, refining love (Hebrews 12:6). God uses various forms of hardship to train us to rely on the Lord Jehovah and to become more like Jesus Christ.

As a measure of growth in Christ, these questions are worth asking: Are you a little less startled by trouble than before? A little less panicked? Do you complain or resent things a little less? Do you look more toward the suffering Jesus Christ? Do you believe that hardship is something everyone faces?

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).

Jesus Calms the Storm

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:39-41)

Jesus woke up and first rebuked the wind. Why did He rebuke the wind? Wind itself is neither right nor wrong; everything God created was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Jesus rebuked the wind because it was the devil hiding behind the elements, attempting to swallow the disciples. Satan attacks with the evil intent of planting fear, increasing anxiety, and ultimately causing us to resent God and fall away from His love.

When Jesus commanded the sea to be "Quiet! Be still!", the wind stopped and it became perfectly calm. The sea obeyed the word of Jesus Christ, the Creator God (Psalm 77:16).

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into heaps; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm (Psalm 33:6-9).

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a tier, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance (Isaiah 40:12)?

Jesus Christ: The Lord of Salvation

By first calming the wind, Jesus saved His disciples. Sometimes, our pain and difficulties seem to last a long time, and we don't know when they will end. However, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Creator, protects us like the apple of His eye, becomes our shield, and delivers us.

Just as God promised Abraham, He saved his descendants from the grip of Egypt through Moses after four hundred years. According to His plan established before the beginning of time, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth. He fulfilled everything exactly as promised through the Law and the Prophets.

The patriarchs of faith—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—were surrounded by enemies and constantly exposed to threats. However, God was their shield and their very great reward; no matter how strong the enemies were, He protected them so that not a finger could be laid upon them (Genesis 15:1).

At the same time, God refined them so that their faith in the Lord would deepen and remain unshaken. The hardships they faced are the same as the pain and suffering we encounter today, though the times and environments differ (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is evidence that God loves and cherishes us.

Most importantly, God covenanted to send them the Messiah who would save the world from sin. They believed God's covenant, looked forward to the Christ who was to come, and kept their faith while enduring pain in foreign lands. We, likewise, believe in the Christ who came, shed His blood on the cross, and rose again, enduring daily to keep our faith.

Furthermore, together with the pioneers of faith, we hope for the Christ who will come again (Hebrews 11:39-40). When Jesus ascended into heaven in the clouds, God promised through angels that the Lord would return in glory and power (Acts 1:11). We look forward to the Day of the Lord and continue to participate in the remaining sufferings of Jesus Christ.

"Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Jesus then rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. They were afraid because they lacked faith; fear is equivalent to a lack of faith. They failed to realize they were with the Creator God. Some manuscripts record: "Do you still have no faith?" What our Lord desires is faith that trusts in Him.

Jesus fully believed, trusted, and entrusted Himself to God the Father. He always had complete faith in the Father who made the heavens, the earth, and all things. Jesus taught the disciples that He is the Son of Man sent by God.

Only then did the disciples see and believe that Jesus is the Creator God who made and governs all things. They asked, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" The disciples' faith grew to the next level. Their eyes were opened to see and believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, who was with them, is the Creator God who moves the universe. Amen!

God delights in revealing everything about Himself. He also delights in those who believe, seek, and rely on Him. Through the storm, God taught the disciples that the Son of Man is the God who created the heavens and the earth. Through that storm, the disciples learned to follow, believe, and obey Jesus Christ, who came as the Son of Man.

February 1, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.