The miracles of Jesus - Classical Christian Literature by Athleo.net

52 THE STILLING OF THE TEMPEST
ness and sorrow that had come to the Roman's home,
an angel that had descended from heaven with a
royal opportunity for this man ;
and in the Gentile's
happy little speech, his manly, forthright barrackroom
theology which so pleased the Master, they
caught the gleam of the angel's wings as he rose
with gladness to God. But when would their angel
come their opportunity to prove their growth in
faith Well, their angel was on the way. They
had been well coached for his coming. A series
of miracles had been their preparation. Now a
miracle is a sign. It speaks to the eye when a
parable addresses the ear. It says in action more
than can be said in words. But a little way below
the surface miracle and parable are the same and,
;
assuredly, when these men had seen Jesus heal the
leper, heard Him heal the Centurion's son, watched
Him cure the trouble in Peter's house, they ought
to have attained to a clear conviction of His power
and to a certain facility in the interpretation of His
great language of signs.
Here, then, is their opportunity and test—this great
sign of the sea. He enters a boat. They followed,
a great tempest arose. The boat was covered with
waves, but He was asleep on the cushion. It is an
elaborately composed sea-piece. Every item teems
with meaning. You and I can read its meanings at
sight. We can see the angel in the storm, for, it is
not difficult to see other people's angels. What a
chance that tempest offered !
Jesus had said," Be not
anxious for your life, the very hairs of your head are
all numbered."
Perhaps when a very heavy sea had been shipped