Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 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. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
We gather to explore a profound and comforting truth from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus is our peace in the storms of life. We journey with Jesus and his disciples across the lake, a simple trip that turns into a profound lesson of faith and trust in our Savior. In this story, we see the disciples tested, their faith shaken, and we learn a vital truth. Who is with us? Jesus is, even if it seems he is silent, or inactive in our lives. In our lives, we face various storms, trials and tribulation that test our faith and challenge our trust in God. It's in these moments we must ask ourselves, who is with us? It is Jesus. He is with us even if it seems he is silent, or inactive in our lives. Jesus initiates the journey across the lake, leading his disciples into what seemed like a routine journey. However, life often brings us unexpected. Proverbs 27 verse one says, Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. As they sail, a terrible storm arises. The winds howl the waves crash against the boat, threatening to capsize it. The disciples even though they are seasoned fishermen are filled with fear. They are terrified of drowning and feel abandoned in their plight. In their terror, they turn to Jesus who is asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. Their fear manifests into an accusation. They say Teacher, don't you care if we drown? They perceive his calmness as indifference, questioning whether he is ignoring their plight. This question echoes the doubts we often voiced when we face our own storms. We cry out, God don't you care about our suffering? This fear just isn't about the thing. physical danger. It's also a spiritual and emotional crisis. They feel that Jesus their master, who sleeps through the storm has abandoned them. When we doubt we have any emotional and spiritual crisis. Doubt can challenge our core belief or faith leading to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and spiritual turmoil. Jesus comforts our fears and doubts even when we are not aware of his help. Jesus was calm authority rebukes the wind and says to the waves, Peace be still. Immediately the storm ceases and there is a great calm. His power over nature assures us of His divine authority and control over all creation. The immediate stop of the storm at Jesus command is a powerful demonstration of His dominion over nature. Amid the chaos and fear of His disciples, He remains calm and composed. The story reassures us of His presence in our lives, and its ability to bring peace in any situation. reaffirming our faith in His power and love. By calming the storm Jesus is not only fighting immediate relief to His disciples, but also symbolically asserting his mastery over chaos and disorder. The stories encourages us to trust in Jesus control over all situations. Just as he calmed the storm for his disciples. He is capable of bringing grace and peace and resolution to the storms in our lives. This trust is not in a distant, indifferent deity, but in a compra passionate savior who is ultimately and intimately involved in our lives. Have and with us right now. Jesus enter turns to his disciples and question them. Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith? Even though they have been living with Jesus, witnessing his miracles, and hearing his teachings, they still falter in their faith. Just like the disciples, we often feel fear in the storms of life. And our faith may falter despite knowing Jesus is with us. This passage presents an insight into the human condition and the nature's of faith. It captures a moment when Jesus disciples, despite being in the physical presence, presence of Jesus, and having witnessed his miraculous deeds, find themselves gripped by fear when faced with a storm. Jesus knew that his father would protect them and see them through the storm. It was an indifference to the disciples. It was confidence by Jesus. His sleep amidst the storm chaos signifies a profound trust in God's providence. The same assures assurance is available to us today. We all face storms in life. These storms are real and can be terrifying. They can take many forms, illness, financial troubles, loss, relationship issues, and more. During these times, we might feel like the disciples fearing and feeling alone, these storms can shake our faith and make us questions God's God's presence and care. In times of crisis, it's natural for faith to be tested. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod emphasizes the importance of turning to God for strength and guidance. During these moments of doubt and uncertainty through prayer, scripture, sacraments and the support of fellow believers individuals can find solace and reassurance in the midst of life's storms. During these challenging times, it is natural to feel abandoned. However, we are called to be faithful and trust in Jesus the Son of God. The same Jesus who called a storm is with us in our struggles. Who is with us? Jesus is even at CMC of silent or inactive in our lives. His presence is constant, and His love is unending. Let me share a few stories. Think of a mother who prays for her sick child, feeling helpless but finds peace and knowing Jesus is with her. Or a man who loses his job and fears for his family's future, but find strength in Jesus promise of provision. These are real stores, storms and then each Jesus is present providing peace and assurance. We have the story of Moses and the Red Sea. Exodus 14 When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army, Moses trusted God's command to stretch out his hand over the sea. God came through and parted the waters allowing the Israelites to escape, and God will come through for us also. How about Daniel in the lion's den, Daniel six. Daniel remains faithful and continues to pray to the one true God despite a royal decree that forbids it. As a result, he is caught and he is thrown into a lion's den. Daniel is afraid but praise to God. God came through with his mercy and power and sent his angel to shut the lions bounds protecting Daniel so that he emerged on harm. God comes through with faithfulness and deliverance for his people. Showing that he is always present and active in the lives of those who trust in Him. And finally, story of a Roman century It approaches Jesus, Matthew eight, asking him to heal his servant to Centurions afraid for the life of his servant, despite being a Gentile and a soldier of an occupying government, that this demonstrates faith by acknowledging Jesus divine authority and showing confidence that Jesus can heal merely with a word. Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my house in church and Centurion says, but only say the word and my servant will be healed. God comes through and heals the servant from a distance solely through His Word. Who is with us? Jesus is, even if it appears, he is silent and inactive in our lives. God came through for Moses and Israel, for Daniel and for the centurion, God will come through for us also. We have the assurance of Jesus care, protection and peace and every storm through the sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Jesus is tangibly present with us. In baptism, we are reminded that we are marked as God's beloved children. In the Lord's Supper we receive Christ's true Body and Blood, strengthening our faith and assuring us that His presence in times of turmoil or distress, participating in the Lord's Supper, can serve as a source of solace and reassurance for us. Through this sacred meal, we encountered the living Christ in a tangible way, experiencing His love, grace and peace amidst live storms. Through these means of grace, we are continually reminded of God's unfailing presence and His steadfast commitment to us. providing us with the insurance we need to navigate the challenges of life with faith and confidence. Who is with us? Jesus is even if it seems he is silent, or inactive in our lives. Whatever you are feeling, fear, doubt, abandonment. Remember, Jesus is with you. He understands your struggles and stands by your side. Jesus still the storms in our lives and calms our fears. He may not always remove the storms, but it gives us peace amidst them. Who is with us? Jesus is even though it seems he is silent, or an inactive in our lives, his promises? Sure, I am with you always to the various very end of the age, Matthew 2820. Matthew encapsulates a foundational truth, the unchanging presence of Christ with His people throughout the ages. It is promised that brings hope, assurance and strength to believers as they navigate the challenges of life and fulfill their mission in the world. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, we thank you for being our peace during life's storms. Help us to trust in your presence and your power. Knowing that you are always with us, guiding us and calming our fears. strengthen our faith, that we may always look to you in our times of need. In your holy name we pray, amen. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai