Mark 4:35 – 41 Praise in the storm

Mark 4:35 – 41

Praise in the storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 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?”

1.            Notice this is Jesus’ idea: [v 35] “Let us go across to the other side.”

                a.            Where do the storms come from?

                                1.)           “God’s will”

                                2.)           “Fallen world”

b.            Sometimes we wonder if God cares: [v 38] “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

c.             Fear leads to doubt. [v 40] “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

                1.)           Doubt leads to desperation.

                2.)           Desperation leads to choice.

[Ill] Story by black preacher….

                There was a knock at the heart’s door. Answering the door, I found an ugly individual.  So I asked, “Who are you and what do you want?” He answered, “My name is worry, and I’m here to babysit your thoughts.” So I invited him in.

                A while later there was another knock at my heart’s door. Answering the door, I found an uglier individual. So I asked, “Who are you and what do you want?” He answered, “My name is depression. You are overworking Worry, and I’m here to relieve him.” So I invited him in.

                Still later there was another knock at my heart’s door. Answering the door, I found a grotesque individual. So I asked, “Who are you and what do you want?” He answered, “My name is oppression, and I’m here to relieve depression.”

  

2.            Notice there is a reason: [v 41] 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?”

                a.            It is necessary.

                                1.)           Storms are unavoidable opportunities.

                                2.)           Even Jesus had his “crisis.”

Mark 1:12, “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.”

                b.            There is something to learn.

                                1.)           They didn’t get it so they went through it again!

                                2.)           Mark 6:45 – 52

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night[g] he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

                c.             There is something to get past.

Exodus 6:9, “Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.”

                                a.            Exhaustion, discouragement, anguish of spirit…

                                b.            SLAVERY (“comfort”)

                d.            There is a BIGGER battle ahead.

Mark 5:1 – 8, “They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus[b] had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”

a.            UNDERSTAND, God is concerned for our spiritual well-being NOT comfort or happiness.

                                b.            God is constantly shaping us to more like Jesus.

                                c.             The testing of our faith means dependence on God and full surrender.

James 1:2 – 4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Spurgeon: “Trials teach us what we are, they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.”

3.            Notice God NEVER withholds the storm.

                a.            BECAUSE it’s a compliment to:

                                1.)           Your ability to withstand the storm.

                                2.)           His ability to create something AWESOME out of it.

                b.            TWO responses:

                                1.)           Wrong… give up, complain, self-pity, bitter, run from God.

                                2.)           Godly… Joseph.

[Ill] Joseph: love, status, and comfort. One day he was betrayed, sold into slavery. Another day he was lied about, jailed.

For Joseph dreams became a pile of ashes and faithfulness became a crown.

                                3.)           Godly… Job.

Job 23:10, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”

                                4.)           Godly… Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” [CEB]

4.            Notice that God’s “go” is also His promise.

                a.            The storm is an opportunity to internalize faith.

                                1.)           Mental and verbal agreement?

                                2.)           Challenge to apply (trust, depend)

Mark 9:23 – 24: “And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

                b.            The problem is we can’t see beyond the storm.

(Ill.) Prayer “bouncing off the ceiling” is good because God is in the room with you.

Romans 5:3 – 5, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Psalm 31:7, “I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.”

Spirituality #5: Prayer part two

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” [1 Timothy 2:1 – 2]

Types of prayer:

 

1.         The “sinners prayer” – The most simple expression of faith.

            The thief on the cross: “Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” [Luke 23:43]

            The tax collector: “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” [Luke 18:13]

Communion Service: You who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who live in love and peace with your neighbors, and who intend to live a new life, following the commands of God, and walking in His Holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and, humbly kneeling, make your honest confession to Almighty God.

 

2.         The “Jesus prayer” – A basic cry of the heart for favor from God. (Relief from trouble.)

            The blind men: “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” [Matthew 9:27b] [Matthew 20:30,31]

            The Canaanite woman: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [Matthew 15:22b]

            The father of the demon possessed boy: “Lord, have mercy on my son.” [Matthew 17:15a]

            Bartimaeus: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [Mark 10:47b]

Communion Service: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we confess that we have sinned, and we are deeply grieved as we remember the wickedness of our past lives. We have sinned against You, Your holiness, and Your love, and we deserve only Your indignation and anger.

            We sincerely repent, and we are genuinely sorry for all wrong doing and every failure to do the things we should. Our hearts are grieved, and we acknowledge that we are hopeless without Your grace.

            Have mercy upon us.

            Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for the sake of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us.

            Forgive us.

            Cleanse us.

            Give us strength to serve and please You in newness of life and to honor and praise Your name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

3.         General prayer – “prayers” – [pros-yoo-khay'] most frequent and common word for prayer. Connected to worship. Regular habit earnestly expression.

            Jesus’ example: “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. [16] But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” [Luke 5:15 – 16]

            The church’s example: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” [Acts 2:42]

            In heaven: “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” [Revelation 5:8]

Communion Service: Our Father which art in heaven, hollowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for every. Amen.

 

4.         Intercessory – “intercessions” – [ent'-yook-sis] A technical term for approaching a king.             Official complaint or request. Generally a defense of someone else.

            Jesus’ example: “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” [Luke 23:34]

            “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [Luke 22:32]

            In heaven: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” [1 John 2:1]

            Moses’ example: “But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? . . . Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. . . . But now, please forgive their sin--but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” [Exodus 32:11, 14, 32]

            "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. [31] So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.” [Ezekiel 22:30 – 31]

Communion Service: O Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who with great mercy has promised forgiveness to all who turn to you with hearty repentance and true faith, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from our sins, make us strong and faithful in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

            Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

5.         Praise and Thanksgiving – “thanksgivings” – (lit. “to give freely”) [yoo-khar-is-tee'-ah]

            An expression of gratitude. A favor imposes the obligation of thanks.

            Jesus’ example: “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” [Luke 10:21]

            “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body.” [Mark 14:22]

            Paul instructed the church, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” [1 Thessalonians 5:17]

            “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” [Colossians 3:17]

            In heaven: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was,

  because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.” [Revelation 11:17]

Communion Service: It is always right and proper, and our moral duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the inhabitants of heaven, we honor and adore Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying,

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts!

Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory,

Gory be to Thee, O Lord, most high. Amen.

Glory be to the Father

And to the Son

And to the Holy Ghost:

As it was in the beginning,

Is now, and ever shall be,

World without end. Amen. Amen.

 

6.         Petition – “Requests” (KJV = supplications) – [deh'-ay-sis] a wanting, a need, then asking (“beg”) Specific prayers in concrete situations.

            Jesus’ example: During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” [Hebrews 5:7]

            Jesus’ example: “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” [John 11:41 – 42] (Jesus could command the dead to live again but He could not command those who did not believe to believe!)

            The church’s example: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” [Acts 12:5]

Communion Service: We do not come to this Your table, O merciful Lord, with self-confidence and pride, trusting in our own righteousness, but we trust in Your great and many mercies. We are not worthy to gather the crumbs from under Your table. But, You, O Lord, are unchanging in Your mercy, and Your nature is love; grant us, therefore, God of mercy, God of grace, so to eat at this Your table that we may receive in spirit and truth the body of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and the merits of His shed blood, so that we may live and grow in His likeness, and, being washed and cleansed through His most precious blood, may we evermore live in Him and He in us. Amen.

 

7.         Justice – Deliverance or bring glory. Claim God’s faithfulness.

            David’s example: “Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.” [Psalm 3:7]

            Jesus’ example: “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” [John 17:5]

            In heaven: “They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood.” [Revelation 6:10]

Communion Service: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who gave in love Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption, who by His sacrifice, offered once for all, did provide a full, perfect, and sufficient atonement for the sins of the whole world, we come now to Your table in obedience to Your Son, Jesus Christ, who in His holy gospel commanded us to continue a perpetual memory of His precious death until He comes again, Hear us, O merciful Father, we humbly ask, and grant that we, receiving this bread and this cup, as He commanded and in the memory of His passion and death, may partake of His most blessed body and blood.

            In the night of His betrayal, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.

            In like manner, after supper He took the cup; and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of this, all of you, for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. Amen.

            The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed upon Him in your heart, by faith with thanksgiving.

            The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

Benediction: May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but yours now and forever. Amen.

Blogged with the Flock Browser