READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l For the ancients, being caught in a storm at sea and the prospect of perishing in the deep dark waters, was probably one of their worst ordeals. Interestingly, Revelations 21 revealed that in paradise (the new heaven and new earth) there would no longer be a sea — there would be no more tears, dying and pain.
Escape the Storm at Sea
A question that arises is why can’t we escape the storms at sea? Even if we do not ask for the storms, it is the way of the cross. Our lord Jesus too faced trials. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, it was the way of the cross. The Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness where he faced wild animals and the elements, went without food for forty days and was tempted by Satan. Even the Psalmist, in his close and intimate walk with God, spoke of going through the valley of the shadow of death. (Ps 23:4) So too for us, the way of discipleship is inevitably the way of the cross.
Why should we follow Jesus if we can’t escape the storms? We do not follow and trust Jesus primarily for either an easy life or to feel good and secure. Rather, it is because of the truth that we follow Jesus. It is not about our feeling good. The issue is whether we are following the truth or lie. (Donald English) We follow Jesus, even though there is no escape from the storm, because he is the way, the truth and the life. (Jn 14:6) We want to live in God’s truth, in God’s way, as God intended for us. When we do this, God sends his Holy Spirit to guide and be present in us.
Peace in the Storm at Sea
Mark contrasted the mental and emotional state of the disciples and that of Jesus. The disciples were in distress and in fear of perishing. In contrast, Jesus was at peace and undisturbed by the storm.
We too may be in the middle of our storms. Perhaps not a literal storm at sea, yet a fearful ordeal that could affect our health, well-being, making our future bleak. Peace was not only experienced by Jesus, but also by the Psalmist who was unafraid and had the comfort of God, even as he went through the valley of the shadow of death. The Psalmist could feast in the midst of his enemies. (Ps 23:4, 5) The apostle Paul also referred to the peace of God, which passes all understanding, (and which) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4: 7)
We too can have a peace and rest in Jesus. This peace is real and at times beyond words. When we are in the storm with Jesus, his Holy Spirit is with us and enables us to overcome. Mark constantly emphasized Jesus’s authority; and here, Jesus’s ability to calm the storm showed his authority over nature. Such authority only belongs to almighty God. The disciples came to realize that Jesus was worthy of their worship and trust.
In a storm, we may try to steer the ship and have our own plans. We may relegate Jesus to being a passenger on the boat, until we come to the awesome realization that Jesus is almighty God with us! Do we lack faith and hold back and from trusting Jesus fully? “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him.” (C.T. Studd)
When we finally come to realize that Jesus is almighty God with us, we cannot but surrender our lives “… for love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” (Isaac Watts) We have peace even in the storm for Jesus is much more than a safety net. We need trust and worship Jesus as our Saviour, Lord and King.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is a current storm in my life? How is Jesus beside me in the storm?
- In what ways have God sent me His peace and comfort, in the midst of the storm?
- “Why are you afraid?” What fears cause me to hold back from total commitment and trust in Jesus?
