Sermon on 21 November 2021 by Ps Gauis
Introduction
Today we learn about how Jesus remained calm on a boat during a storm, while the disciples were fearful.
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” – Mark 4:35-41
When we go through trials and tribulations, we are anxious. Today’s topic is about faith during trials.
Message
1. There will be storms in our lives
The storm that Jesus and the disciples went through was a fierce one. The boat was about to sink. In life, we go through storms that may be so big that our abilities do not seem able to withstand. However, we know that God will not make us go through situations we cannot handle. Challenges are normal. Going through storms is not a punishment. Rather, He wants to build our character up through difficult situations and He will bring us through. Storms do not last forever. When they stop, our strengthened faith will remain with us. Let us not feel hopeless.
Let us draw close to God and pray. Jesus began every morning with prayer.
2. Jesus will be with us through the storm
The disciples did not know what was to come when they started out in the boat. But Jesus did. His intention is to be with us. During the storm, Jesus did not forsake His disciples. He will be with us, therefore there is no need to be afraid. Do you bring Jesus along with you through the storm? Or do you rely only on your cleverness and knowledge?
Let us rely on Jesus. Christ is with us.
3. Even experts are afraid at times
Among the disciples, some were fishermen. They were experienced in the seas. Comparatively, Jesus was a carpenter. When they went to the sea of Galilee, the fishermen should have been more confident. In the fierce storm, everyone was put on level ground, regardless of whether they were experts. The disciples knew Jesus had the ability to handle the situation. They woke Him up. Who do we first call unto when we are in the storm?
Call unto our Lord Jesus Christ. He should not be our last resort. We should be looking to Him first every morning.
4. Jesus is 100% man and 100% God
Jesus healed many while He was on earth. At the same time, Jesus was like us – He felt pain and He felt tiredness. Jesus was sleeping in the boat when the storm came. When you are overwhelmed with tasks given to you, can you sleep and rest well? Jesus could. The boat was likely very shaky, and yet He could rest. He knew that He could deal with the situation. He knew He was able to do the work. When we wake up every morning, let us praise Him before getting to work. Jesus allows the storms in our lives, therefore He definitely knows the way to navigate the storm. There is no need to be anxious. Let us obey Him. He will see us through the storm. The disciples saw the miracle of Jesus stopping the wind and waves. Similarly, we will realise His presence with us. Do not forget this even after the trial.
Let us encourage one another. Let us read His Word carefully and live out the Word. Count on His Word.
5. Choose faith, not fear
Do we fear trials or do we choose to have faith? The disciples did not ask Jesus to stop the storm. Instead, they feared drowning. Jesus had already said they would go to the other side (Mark 4:35). The disciples had been following Him for some time, and they had witnessed Him performing miracles. But when they faced the storm, they did not place faith on His ability to get them to the other side. They should have believed Him and they should have had faith.
Do not let our problems be bigger than God. Let us have a closer relationship with Him.
Closing
Challenges are normal. We can rest in Him because He has victory. We will eventually overcome the problem. We know that Christ is with us; He will never forsake us. Let us open up our hearts and call unto Him. We can count on His Word. Through His Word, we can be encouraged, and we can encourage others. Through all this, we will have a closer relationship with Him.
With Jesus with us, we can rest without worries.
Comments