That is the question which Jesus asked his disciples as they contended with the mighty storm, of  Seismic strength, in their fishing boat, on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was with them fast asleep in the stern of the boat and  his disciples roused him and said unto him “Master careth thou not that we perish “? (Mark 4:38). 

Just as that great storm on the Sea of Galilee 2000 years ago so now we are in the midst of a mighty storm which threatens our lives, our wellbeing and our future. The epidemic which we have come to know as the CORONA VIRUS has just a few days ago been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.  So now many people including ourselves are asking Jesus that same question and he gives us the same reply as that he gave to the disciples namely “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith”? May we all hear from the Gospel of Mark chapter 4 and verses 38 and 39  how “Jesus arose and  rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. “   We believe and know that he can do the same today by rebuking the great storm which has come upon us so suddenly without warning and say “Peace be still”.

What a privilege we have as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to take everything to God in prayer. 

In the Epistle of Paul to the Philipians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7  we are urged to “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

 

In Israel the epidemic is becoming more and more  threatening  from day to day. As of today schools and universities are closed and the Israeli government is considering closing down all but vital public services so that slowly but surely the economic life of the country is shutting down and this will surely continue at least until the end of April.  We in Immanuel Tours  have been hard hit by the storm and we have had to send our faithful staff home for the time being but we are not in despair and, by the grace of God,  we shall be ready to continue our ministry when the “great calm” comes after the storm.

May the grace our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forevermore. Amen.

For more information on Immanuel Tours’ response to coronavirus CLICK HERE.