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Jesus (and the Weather)

“That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’ Matthew 5:45

“What an awful day!’ “Oh the weather is horrible!’ “Where is God?’ Remarks after a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, tsunami, flood, lighting or other natural disasters. I will only refer to Jesus and not all the other scriptures in the Bible. But just let me state my clear understanding of Jesus and the entire Bible. God is in control of the weather and nature! Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’ Matthew 28:18

Don’t ask me to explain it or to discuss ‘why’ to every storm or earthquake, etc. but without question God has the power to cause or prevent any work of ‘nature’. All things operate according to the plan and will of God.
God acting in His sovereign power causes it to rain on the just and unjust. Just because someone dies in a storm does not mean they are evil. Note the following story told by Jesus:

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
“Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem ? “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5

Here Jesus is warning us not to judge people by something tragic that happens but warns us to consider our own fate and the problem of our own sin! Repent or perish! In the following stories you will see that Jesus has power to stop the winds and the waves and has power over all of nature.

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:36-41

No matter what the weather or conditions are like, I rest in the knowledge that Jesus is in control! I love to declare:
“This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ Psalms 118: 24
Sure I put in my prayer request to God for the weather I desire but then I thank Him for whatever He sends.

I have often prayed for calm seas and had storms for a day or two! In carrying the cross around the world I have prayed thousands of time concerning the weather but have learned to accept what God sends. I do not complain no matter what. I have walked in over 130 degree heat and as well as snow and ice. I have been through hurricanes and earthquakes and rest in the will of God.

The sooner you accept and trust in the sovereign control of the events of nature as being in the plan and power of God then that is the day you will find rest in your heart and mind. No matter what you can’t change it anyway unless God determines to act in such a way as you request.
God was very upset with the Children of Israel with their constant complaining and murmurings. He let all of them die in the wilderness except two.
Think about it. What does God think about your words?
I know it is popular today to say that it is impossible to attribute anything that may ‘seem’ bad to God. We want to think of God in a super ‘good’ way. Our modern world wants to judge God and condemn Him for all suffering.

Remember it was God that sent the great flood that destroyed the world except for Noah and his family.
It was God that parted the Red Sea and then sent the waters flooding back to kill all the Egyptian army.
It was God that sent the plagues upon the Egyptians.
It was God that moved time and again in ways that confound the modern critical world.
God cares for the suffering and the hurting. There is no love like God’s love. His ways are not our ways. Often we must just hold our tongue and realize that there is just no explanation for what has happened. We must simply rest the events in the Hands of God.

As I write this column I see on the news that twenty people have been killed in a tornado. I can only imagine the pain and suffering and hurt. I know God loves and cares.
You see, should you not believe that God is in control then you must: One, believe that Satan is in control or two that what happens has no order or control and that neither God nor Satan orders the events of nature.
Many of the early founders of America were Deists:

“The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation.’
I find today that many religious people claiming to be followers of Jesus in an effort to avoid thinking that God could have any control over nature actually become Deists in practice. Oh, be careful and don’t judge God or His actions and ways.
Please see Jesus in the following scriptures as He speaks and deals with nature. Please read the following carefully.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew7:24-29
As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? Matthew 11:7

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matt 14:24-34

Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.
Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. Mark 6:47-53

Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. Luke 8:22-26

Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.”And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Luke 12:54-55
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8
John 6:17-21
got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.
So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
Acts 2:1-2 Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Luke 9:34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.
Luke 21:27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Matt 24:30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:37-39 “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
“and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:27-29 “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 13:26-27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
“And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 13:24-27 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; “the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in heaven will be shaken. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. “And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven. Luke 23:44-46

Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.'” Having said this, He breathed His last. Matt 28:2-3

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
Matt 27:50-53

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

So I encourage you to pray concerning storms, earthquakes and etc. then refrain from complaining or moaning with what God allows to happen according to His Divine will and plan.
Learn to be content in the things God sends or withholds. Let your request be known and then rest in peace in the Arms of Jesus and our Father.
Glory, this is the Day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt

Luke 18:1