Title: Christ calms the storms of life!
Text: Mark 6:45-56
47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and [Jesus] was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night [Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
“The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock.”
These are the words of St. John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople, from a sermon preached around 400 AD. He was sent into exile for his faith … which led ultimately to his death.
He continues:
“Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat … of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? ‘The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.”
https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/233/whom_shall_i_fear___john_chrysostom.html
Fear can consume us all. Whether it be financial, personal or medical. The Rock upon which our faith is built is Christ. He is the rock of refuge. He is the place of comfort. He is the pavilion of rest. He is the gift of mercy. Upon this rock …
Christ calms the storms of life!
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat [Luther sees the boat as a metaphor for the church] and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
Jesus compels the disciples to leave. Maybe there was unwillingness on their part but Jesus made them get into the boat. He dismisses the crowds and then as is consistent with Jesus, no matter the crowds or the work or the distractions … Jesus prays.
47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, [also seen as a metaphor for the chaos of the world broken in sin, death and the devil] and he was alone on the land.
By this time … the boat was a far way off. The wind and waves were against it and the disciples … as life at times can be.
Ill.
The storms can came through Waterford, with wind rain and hail. Tree limbs can break, homes and cars can be damaged, and power for some … can be lost.
You have experienced storms and so have I. Storms can come without warning and fear can be greatest … in the depth of the night.
And about the fourth watch of the night …
Jesus spent almost the entire night, after the disciples departed, in prayer. The fourth watch would be late, between 3 AM and 6 AM. It can be the darkest part of the night or just before the grayness of dawn gives way to morning, and the disciples were fighting against the waves of the sea and the wind which were against them.
[Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. Mark 6:48b
If you’ve ever been up most of the night you might understand the disciple’s distress. The wind, the waves … 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified.
Christ calms the storms of life!
Ill.
A 5-year old [boy] was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry [closet] and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you." [Well, he] walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave [again] when all at once an idea came [him], and he said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"
Charles Allen, Victory in the Valleys.
As a pastor, I get to visit quite a few people at the hospital. Some are dealing with minor procedures while others have grave and serious concerns. It is always a joy to be asked to pray for those who need a comforting word at this time of great worry and fear. Christ brings that type of peace.
Especially when those who are expecting surgery or having tests done and are looking for good test results, concern can run high. But prayer can calm the troubled heart regardless of the result and Jesus Christ can bring true peace. In his hands our life is handled.
This week we celebrated with the children at Vacation Bible School. For some who are new to this, it can be a time of fear as they come to experience a new place and new people. This can be concerning. But just as we sing songs and learn about Jesus, his family and his home, peace can come at this hectic time …
For it is Jesus who says: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
Apart from God’s word of forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit we all would be consumed with fear at the despair and weight of your sins.
Christ calms the storms of life!
The trials of life and the storms that attack us can’t diminish the Love of God for you his beloved redeemed children.
51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
Jesus is the peace beyond all understanding.
54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was.
The needs of body and soul are always at peace in Christ because he loves you and has given his life so that you might live.
56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
You, dear friends are Christ children! Rejoice in the wonderful joys of standing on the Rock, which is Christ Jesus our Lord who called you to himself.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!
Amen
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