“But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
(Matthew 8:27)
The psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Ps. 24:1). As Creator, God owns all things and wields sovereign control over them, directing every element according to His purpose. Among His creation, the wind stands out as a powerful testament to His glory. Psalm 147:18 affirms, “He causes his wind to blow,” revealing His command over this invisible, mighty force. The wind, whether a gentle breeze or a devastating storm, moves only at His bidding, according to His unmatched authority and majesty.
Scripture paints vivid images of God’s dominion over the wind. He “walks on the wings of the wind” (Ps. 104:3), “rides” and “flies” upon it (2 Sam. 22:11; Ps. 18:10), holds it in His fists (Prov. 30:4), and releases it from His treasuries (Ps. 135:7). Every gust is measured with precision, as Job 28:25 notes, ensuring that not a single particle moves beyond His purpose. The disciples, witnessing Jesus calm a raging storm, marveled, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matt. 8:27). Their awe reflects a profound truth: only God commands the elements, and Jesus, by stilling the wind, revealed His divine nature.
Christ’s authority also extends beyond physical winds to the spiritual realm. He likened the Holy Spirit’s work to the wind, saying, “The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell from where it comes nor where it goes. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). At Pentecost, the Spirit came as a “rushing mighty wind” (Acts 2:2), empowering the apostles. As Jeremiah Burroughs said, “In this way you see what use the Scripture makes of the winds, to set out the glory of God by.”[1] The wind, in all its mystery and power, declares God’s majesty, calling us to worship the One who rules both creation and redemption.
Contemplations:
- Praised in the wind’s rise. Lord, You are to be praised even in the rise of the wind. The wind is one of Your great and mysterious works, for we cannot see it, and yet it is very real and powerful. It is truly a wonder, for one minute it can be utterly calm, and the next minute boisterous. Your control over this invisible force amazes me.
- Directing the unseen. Lord Jesus, You say the winds blow where they will, no man knows “whence they come, nor whither they go.” We see how the wind blows, even when there are no clouds to indicate stormy conditions. All we know is the breeze came and went. But You direct them all. Your sovereign command over the unseen urges me to worship.
- Dreadful in power. Even in the wind, Lord, You are to be praised for Your great power. How dreadful is Your infinite power, so much so that nothing can be added to it. Oh how glorious and majestic is Your mighty power!
- Stilling the storm. Lord, one of Your greatest works was when You quieted the wind with Your words. When You rebuked the winds and commanded them to be still (Mark 4:39), they immediately ceased, and there was a great calm. Your word says in Isaiah 27:8, “He stays the rough wind.” You are to be praised, for You rule the raging sea. When its waves rise high, You can still them. Psalm 89:8-9 states, “O Lord God of Hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto You or to Your faithfulness round about You. You rule the raging of the sea; when the waves thereof arise You still them.” Likewise, Lord, when waves seem like they are overtaking me, I know You can still them, for You are omnipotent.
Prayer (Adoration)
O majestic and omnipotent God, You are the sovereign Lord who commands the winds and waves, ruling all creation with infinite power and wisdom. Your glory shines in the invisible force of the wind, moving at Your will to declare Your majesty. I worship You for Your unrivaled authority, holding every storm in Your fist and releasing it from Your treasuries. In Your Son, Jesus, You stilled the tempest with a word, revealing Your divine nature, and through Your Spirit, You move like a mighty wind to bring life to Your people. Your power and faithfulness leave me in awe.
I confess that I have often overlooked Your sovereignty in creation, attributing Your works to chance or nature. My heart has not always marveled at Your power, nor have I consistently praised You for Your control over all things. Forgive me for these sins, for diminishing Your glory. Cleanse me through Christ’s blood, renewing my heart to worship You with reverence.
Lord, I plead for grace to adore You as You deserve. Fill me with wonder at Your command over the winds, seeing Your hand in every breeze and storm. Deepen my awe of Your Son, who calms both physical and spiritual tempests. Let Your Spirit move in me like a mighty wind, empowering me to live for Your glory. And help me trust Your omnipotent care when life’s waves rise, knowing You can still those as well.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Matthew 8:27:
Mark 1:27; Matthew 15:31; Luke 5:17; Matthew 28:18.
[1] Jeremiah Burroughs, The Sea-Mans Direction in Time of Storm (London: T. Paine and M. Simmons, 1640), 19.
