Scripture:
Mark 4:35-41 NKJV
[35] On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” [36] Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. [37] And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. [38] But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” [39] Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. [40] But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” [41] And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Observation:
Sometimes, I just want to share a whole chapter of the Bible, and for my observation, just put… “Enough said.” This is one of those times. As you look back at Mark chapter 4, you can see that all this was a test to see if HIS disciples were listening. At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus talks about a topic I like to cover as well. Not that I am even close to having the ability to explain things in the same manner that Christ HIMSELF does, but I just love how HE makes things so simple yet you have to be paying attention to catch it. I’m going to go all the way back to the beginning of the chapter. So I encourage you to do the same. Jesus gives the people a lesson about seeds. HE talks about sowing them. HE talks about the soil and its conditions, and HE talks about the crops they produce. But a few verses later, when he is alone with his disciples, HE explains what the seeds are. All of this information is vital to the scripture that was chosen this morning. As you move further into the chapter, HE tells another parable about seeds. That has to do with the kingdom of heaven and an enemy, both of which are sowing seeds. Some good and some bad. The farmer in this parable is GOD, and the enemy is Satan. The seeds grow up together, good seed and bad. So let me explain so we can move forward. The seeds are words. We use them every day, and we should think very carefully when we do. Ok so now that we have brought that to light. Let’s look at the scripture chosen this morning. After Jesus teaches about words HE decides to see the condition of the soil HE had just sown into, by saying let’s get into the boat and go to the other side. That’s the key. Then knowing by faith that the boat and all who were on it would arrive safely on the other side. HE lays down in the front of the boat to take a nap. Somewhere between shores a storm arises and we see the condition of the soil that Jesus had sown the seeds into. As the men start to panic. They wake HIM up worried about their lives. Not having much faith in what was said by the savior but looking at the whether to determine the course of their lives. As HE wakes up HIS words are few, “peace be still,” and the wind and waves stop. Looking at HIS disciples and knowing the condition of their soil. It was clear a rebuke was coming. “Why is it you have NO faith?” Sitting there completely amazed at what had just happened. You could almost see their chews hanging open. As they marveled over who HE was.
Application:
What exactly has Jesus spoken to you? Do you remember it specifically? You might want to take the time to remember back to what has been said. Because if it looks like it’s not going to happen. You might just look at your faith in what HE told you. GOD can NOT lie. If HE has said HE will get you through it you might listen to HIM, rather than the circumstances going on around you. Sure the storm is intimidating but GOD’S word is true… and if HE said it… it will happen. I think about the 10 spies that went into Canaan to scout it out. 8 of them were overcome by fear, and only 2 came back believing what GOD has said. Those 2 went into the promised land. The other 8 died in the wilderness. Along with the rest of that generation. I told myself when I started writing this a year and a half ago that. I would live in full vew. The storm is real. But I am holding on to what the LORD has said. HE is my strong tower, my shelter, the wing that I tuck myself under in times of distress. I call on HIS name when I don’t know what to do. I look at what JE has said and I allow the faith that HE gave me clean the rocks out of my soil so that the seeds that HE plants will produce a crop. Of course the enemy has come in and tried to sow weeds in HIS crop. But they will be separated and thrown into the fire. I want to press on. Just like Paul said. To press is not easy. It means in the face of challenges and opposition. You continue to do what you know GOD has spoken to you. Let the Strom rage, let the eaves crash, GOD’S word is true. No matter what it looks like. It may be hard not to zero in on the Strom but what we need to look at is what HE said. “Let’s cross over to the other side,” the enemy wants you to think that’s not possible. But I know it is. Because that’s what HE said. Doubt and fear can be overpowering, but we serve a mighty GOD. HE said “LET’S GO ACROSS,” not let’s get overwhelmed by the storm. Stay focused on what HE says about you. HE is right there in the boat. Do you think HE is going to let you drown? Faith is believing what you can not see so much that you step forward. In spite of what it looks like. That’s my life right now. It looks impossible but I am not giving up. I am pressing on. I believe this is all to see where my faith is. HE said we are going to the other side and it’s impossible to please HIM without faith. So “LET’S GO”
Prayer:
Father, we know what it looks like.tge Strom is raging and the waves are crashing. But we know what you said and we believe it. You will not leave something half finished and you are the author and finisher of our faith. Your word is the only truth we need to hang onto. We ask that you show us that you are with us calm tge storm in our lives not because we don’t believe in what you have said. We just need some reprieve. We are running to you. As you are stretching our faith. We believe we will get to the other side. Because that’s what you said and you can not lie. Our trust is completely on you now and forever. We cast down the distractions the enemy has put in front of us. His discouragement and opposition to what you have said. He may have powe but you gave us authority. We take the authority you gave us and step right on his head with the crushing blow. You are our GOD and father. You will protect and provide. Tuck us tightly under your wing. Be our strung tower. We are in a time of need. It’s in the mighty overcoming name of Jesus we pray amen.