The Old Testament prophets understood that Jehovah had created the waters in the creation, divided the waters in the creation, unleashed the waters in the Flood in the days of Noah, divided the Red Sea to preserve and protect the Israelites, brought forth water out of a rock to ease their thirst in the Sinai desert, and divided the Jordan river for the Israelites to cross over on dry ground when entering the promised land.
So it is no surprise that when Jehovah came down from the realms of glory and was made flesh, that he would have the same premortal powers over water. In His first miracle, He turned the water into wine at the marriage feast. But later we find him asleep on the boat about to perish. His disciples awakened him. Matthew tells the story:
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”[i]
Here we see “the still waters” created by Jesus’ rebuke of the stormy sea, something everyone feared. Not only were his disciples surprised, but they also realized that He was more than a man. Because throughout Israel’s history, only God could command the waters or rebuke the violence of the sea.
The word “still” also reminds us of peace and separation from the chaotic world we live in. Jesus had another stormy sea becomes a quiet miracle. In this one, the disciples recognized that Jesus was the “Son of God”:
“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away…. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”[ii]
Isaiah called the future babe of Bethlehem the “Prince of Peace”.[iii] Later, John would record Jesus’ last words before his crucifixion:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”[iv]
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”[v]
The Prince of Peace has all power in Heaven and Earth to drive out the chaotic waters of our lives, still the storm, lead us beside still waters, nourish us with the living water[vi] that is his atoning blood[vii] just as the shepherd in Psalm 23.
[i] Matthew 8:23-27 Berean Study Bible
[ii] Matthew 14:23-33 Berean Study Bible
[iii] Isaiah 9:6 KJV
[iv] John 14:27 KJV
[v] John 16:33 KJV
[vi] John 4:10 KJV
[vii] John 6:53-56 KJV