DO YOU NOT CARE?

February 14

Bible Reading: Mark 4

Mark 4:37-39, “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

In 1986 two brothers, both fishermen/amateur archeologists, found remains of a buried boat on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  A drought had receded the shoreline and exposed the long-hidden remains.  The boat was determined to be of the New Testament era—the same kind of boat that would have been used by Jesus’ fishermen-disciples.  Once uncovered, it was examined and determined to be 27 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and 4.3 feet high.  It was of shallow draft and flat bottom that it might be able to get close to shore while fishing.  Great for fishing—not so great for surviving a big storm at sea.

Jesus was in such a boat with His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee.  “A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling” (Mark 4:37).  Those disciples were experienced sailors.  They knew how that sea was prone to such sudden changes.  And they knew what to do on such occasions.  But this storm was too great.  And their boat was about to sink.  They feared for their lives.

It was at this point that they cried out to Jesus: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing” (Mark 4:38)?  They were anxious.  He was sleeping.  “How can He sleep in the midst of this gale?” they must have thought.  Doesn’t He care that we are about to capsize and sink to the depths?

“Do you not care?”  They may not verbalize it, but Christ’s followers are sometimes guilty of such doubts.  “Sin and despair like the sea-waves cold threaten the soul with infinite loss.”  Too often, our response is to curse the storm and try by any means to escape.  The disciples were fortunate to have Jesus in their boat.  The believer in Christ has Him too.  He merely spoke a word to the wind and the sea and there was “a great calm” (Mark 4:39).  Their fear of the storm was exchanged for “a great fear” that caused them to ask amongst themselves: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41).

Does He care?  He has proven that He does, having given His life to rescue us from our sins (Romans 8:32; 1 John 3:16).  Does He care?  He invites us to bring our cares to Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  Does He care?  Yes indeed!  He may not quiet the adverse winds and waves, but He can impart to our hearts and minds a quiet “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Storms happen.  They touch on every part of the planet.  And the troubles and trials of life affect every soul.  God has a purpose in them—to elicit faith in Him.  The disciples had no need to fear—having Jesus, “the master of the seas,” in their boat.  But they remained anxious ‘til they asked Jesus for help.  The believer in Christ is indwelt with the One who calmed the winds and the waves.  God’s purpose in our troubles is that we might turn to Him for help.  If you have Jesus in your life, you do not need to fear.  He knows all about your troubles.  He can impart His peace to your heart.  He cares! 

Amidst the storms of life, when the winds of adversity blow and troubles mount up as angry waves threatening to undo you, keep in mind that you know the One who calmed the winds and the waves.  You’ve no need to fear if you’ve got Jesus “in your boat.”

I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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