The Storm Rebuked

A Poem Inspired by Matthew 8:26

By Russ Hjelm

Upon the Sea of Galilee the night had fallen deep  

where waters churned in fury born of wind and hidden sleep  

a boat of weathered timber bore the twelve and One who led  

through darkness thick as judgment on the waves that rose like dread  

The storm arose unbidden sudden savage in its might  

waves like mountains crashing swallowed stars and drowned the light  

the disciples gripped the gunwales hands numb upon the ropes  

their cries pierced through the thunder Master save us from our hopes  

For peril pressed upon them the boat was filling fast  

each swell a threat of drowning each gust a bitter blast  

they knew these waters well yet terror claimed their breath  

for death seemed near and certain in the face of such wild death  

Yet in the stern He slumbered head upon a cushion laid  

unmoved by roar and tumult undisturbed by what they feared  

the Prince of Peace incarnate in human form reposed  

while chaos raged around Him as if creation closed  

They wakened Him in panic Lord we perish do You care  

the winds howl like the demons the sea devours the air  

He rose then slowly steady eyes meeting every gaze  

and spoke the words that echo through the centuries and days  

Why are you afraid O you of little faith He said  

the question gentle piercing cut deeper than the dread  

for faith is not the absence of the storm that shakes the soul  

but trust that holds when tempests make the strongest heart unwhole  

Then turning to the elements He lifted up His voice  

rebuked the winds with sovereign power that made creation rejoice  

Peace be still the command went forth like thunder's quiet kin  

and instantly the fury ceased the raging found its end  

The sea grew smooth as glass beneath the sudden calm  

the winds lay down like servants at the bidding of His palm  

a great calm settled heavy profound and absolute  

where moments past had chaos now silence stood as fruit  

The boat rocked gently forward on waters hushed and still  

the disciples stared in wonder hearts trembling with new thrill  

What manner of man is this they whispered one to all  

that winds and waves obey Him at His merest call  

In that rebuke was power beyond the realm of men  

authority that fashioned worlds and set their bounds again  

the same voice spoke in Genesis when light from darkness came  

now spoke to broken order calling order back by name  

For chaos is the echo of the fall the ancient curse  

where sin let disorder loose and made the good perverse  

yet here the Son of Man arose the second Adam true  

to speak redemption's prelude in waters dark and blue  

The storm was not mere weather nor accident of fate  

but shadowed sign of powers that war against His state  

the winds the waves the darkness all bowed before His word  

revealing Him as Lord of all by whom all things are stirred  

And in the calm that followed faith began to stir anew  

not perfect yet but growing through what terror put them through  

for little faith when tested in crucible of night  

may find its measure deepened in the dawning of His light  

So let the poem linger on that moment vast and still  

where fear met faith's rebuke and chaos learned His will  

for every storm that rises in heart or sky or sea  

meets the same commanding presence who sets the captive free  

He sleeps not now in distance but walks beside our way  

awake to every tempest that seeks our soul to sway  

and when we cry in terror amid the rising wave  

He rises still to question Why fear O child be brave  

Then speaks the word of power that calms the inner gale  

and brings the great calm promised where peace shall never fail  

for He who stilled the waters on Galilee's wild shore  

holds every storm within His hand forevermore