Scripture:
Luke 8:22-25 ESV
[22] One day, he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, [23] and as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. [24] And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. [25] He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
Observation:
As I was reading this morning, I saw something interesting. A few verses before these. Jesus explained the parable of the seed sower to HIS disciples. Telling them that the seed is the word. Later, HE gave them some instructions to get in the boat so that they could go to the other side. The words HE spoke were very important. Especially after just explaining that they were seeds. Once they were in the boat. Jesus fell asleep in the front of the boat. HE knew where HE was going, and HE knew that HE would get there. To HIM, it didn’t matter what the circumstances looked like. HE knew HE would get to the other side. The disciples, on the other hand, were not so sure. When the storm started to rage, fear set in, and they woke Jesus up from HIS rest. In fear of their lives being lost. They looked at what was going on around them and lost track not only of who was with them but what HE said before they got in the boat. The lesson was presented. However, it was not received. Let’s go to the other side. When Jesus woke up and saw their concerns and fears, HE did what only HE could do. HE calmed the storm by saying, “Peace be still.” Again just sowing seeds. Reinforcing the lesson spoken a short time ago. This peace came with a little correction for HIS men. You can almost see HIM sitting down with them saying… now wait, guys… what did I tell you before we got in the boat? Has anything I’ve said so far not happened? Are you still unsure about the seeds and the power behind them? Where is your faith at? Don’t you know who I am yet?
Application:
I think it’s appropriate to ask you… do you believe that GOD’S living word is true?? The reason I find this question so important is because it is full of seeds that GOD is planting in the soil of your heart. Let’s go with the most recent at this point… “Let’s go to the other side.” That’s what you have been told this morning. Do you trust that the LORD is going to get you there? Or is the wind and rain stealing your attention from the one who saves you? If you don’t mind, I would just like to sow a few seeds from the would myself. I hope the soil is prepared to receive them… I believe what GOD’S word says because I have seen how standing on the truth has absolutely changed my life. I know that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus… why do I know that?? Well, it’s a seed that has been sown on good soil. Not to mention that by GOD’S grace, I have overcome many storms just by staying focused on my savior. Another seed I want to show is this… you are victorious. The battle may look fierce. There may be people falling all around you, but the battle is not yours it belongs to the LORD. The victory is yours. The battle belongs to the LORD. So I’m not sure what you’re facing or what it looks like. But I want you to know this. If Jesus said you are going to the other side, buckle up, my friend the storm, my rage, and the waves may crash over the boat. But GOD’S word is true and you will reach your destination. Remember who is in the front of the boat and what HE said before you got in. Trust the seed and the sower. Because if GOD is for you, not one enemy can stand against you. Never lose sight of the savior. The storm is just a distraction. To keep you from thinking that the word of GOD is true. Let me tell you there is not one lie, not one contradiction, not one uncertainty in the bible it’s full of GOD seeds. The only question is, what does your soil look like? Is it rocky ground, or is it ready to receive the truth in the pages of HIS living word?
Prayer:
Father. You said the other said is where we are going, and we trust in that. Help us to keep our eyes on what your word says and know it to be true. You will confirm what you said. You already have so many times in my life. So help us to live and stand on the truth that you gave us so many years ago that is still just as true today. Prepare the soil of our hearts. So that when the storm comes, we can see that you are in the boat with us and we will make it. You will not leave us in the fire alone. All we have to do is stand on what you said. What an amazing GOD you are. Loving us so much that you gave us the answers way before the test. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.