"Where is your grammar?"

My classes were completing a Creative Writing Unit. Using a variety of techniques, I had demonstrated the value of finding and sustaining a theme. First, we compared writing to building a wall, discussed the process from idea to final draft and then we designed a wall. A flow chart outlined the process. Finally, I sneaked in a fat policeman [PCFAT] to help us find the theme, then some vocabulary, mnemonics and junkanoo rhythm to shrink wrap the unit. What a pretty package! But, did they really understand how to apply their knowledge?

"Is this going to be on our Final Exam?" one student ventured.

"Trust me. It will be there," I warned.

The mention of Final Exam sobered many students. However, experience advised me to test. I took each class outdoors and using specific, clear instructions, I guided them through paragraph writing, reinforcing the writing process. They recorded their sensory experiences. While many of them excelled in using their senses and thrilled me with the imagery and apt descriptions, most of them had failed to apply simple grammar rules.

The foundation of language is grammar. Try to write a paragraph without it and you will understand why. The foundation of Christian growth is a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus took His disciples on field trips to cities and villages. When the disciples did not understand the parable of the Sower, Jesus explained the meaning to them. Jesus wanted His disciples to learn kingdom principles. One day He took them on an unforgettable field trip.

Submission

The disciples did not question Jesus' purpose. His destination was specific and clear. He wanted to go to the other side of lake Genneseret. Jesus was their leader and they obeyed His will. They launched out [Luke 8:22]. Faith requires action.

Choice

Jesus could have chosen the bow of the ship. But, He knew His disciples were expert fishermen and mariners. Thus, He retired to the stern of the ship. The rudder is there. Although the disciples made the decisions as the ship sailed, Jesus, the Rudder, was in control as Guide. Jesus honours our will, our ability to make choices. However, He accompanies us and we can look to Him.

Restful vs Restless

A Bahamian saying,"All shut eye ain sleep" relates a truth depicted by the sleeping Jesus. He had a pillow [Mark4:38]; and He was enjoying a comfortable rest. Yet, David the Psalmist in Psalm 121:3 - 4 says that God does not sleep. He is our Keeper[v5]! The resting Jesus, the Prince of Peace, knew that if the disciples focused on Him and not on their circumstances - namely the storm- they would be restful not restless[Isaiah 26:3].

Wild Winds and Surging Seas

The conflict of man against nature is supernatural. Man is helpless! He cannot control nature. The wild winds and surging seas had one purpose - to kill and steal their joy and to destroy their vessel. However, within the ship was the Holy One who knew the value of water. He had promised the Samaritan Woman a well of water springing up into everlasting life [John 4:16]. After His resurrection, Jesus knew the disciples would have another encounter with the wind [Acts 2:2]. Jesus created these elements [John 1:3]; and the servants are not greater than the Master!

The Name Of The Lord

The disciples were in jeopardy. Their ship was tossed by the boisterous winds; and the walls of water that crashed down on them began to fill the ship. They feared; then they doubted. Did Jesus care? Would He let them perish? Would Jesus the friend who sticks closer than a brother, disregard the peril of His disciples? Jesus says that before you call He will answer [Isaiah 65:24] . In Jeremiah 33:3, Jesus invites all to call out to Him and expect an answer. Solomon in Proverbs 18:10 says the name of the Lord is a strong tower. The disciples did the right thing by calling on Jesus; but they wavered too. Faith is firmly grasping the will of God.

Divine Intervention

Jesus knew that the disciples were no match for the supernatural forces. Did Satan want the ship with Jesus and the disciples to reach Gadara? Was he willing for the disciples and the naked man with legions of demons to be delivered, to walk in the light of salvation, to experience being saved? Satan wanted the disciples to walk by sight. His ways are contrary -the opposite of the ways of God, who wants man to walk by faith. Thus, Jesus came to save mankind from the depths of despair and death to intervene in their circumstances when they call out to Him..

Deliverance

The disciples were saved. The Creator spoke peace to His creation. David talked about this fact in Psalm 65:7, 89:9 and 107:29. While the disciples were delivered from a physical death, the Gadarene man experienced a newness of life in Christ. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation [2Corinthians 5:17]. There is deliverance for all in Jesus Christ; and whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved [Romans 10:12,13].

The Gift of God

Faith, the gift of God, is available to all through the graciousness and mercy of Jesus Christ. His compassion and faithfulness is renewed daily. In Gadara, only one man was saved - delivered that day, according to the account. The other citizens rejected Jesus and asked Him to leave. He did. However, a good seed was planted in fertile soil - the heart of a man now clothed and sane. He had been set free from life as an outcast and was commissioned to tell others the good news.

Jesus came to set the captive free; and your storm may be the one God uses to rescue others - if you trust Him to get you to the other side. Do you think that nothing significant is happening in your life and you are going from one storm to another? Call out to Jesus. Wake up Jesus! He will give you peace and calm the storm in your life!

To see a relate poem, click In The Storm