We’re In The Same Boat
Mark 4:35-41
Elder Clarence Weaver
Introduction
In Mark 4, Jesus making a new departure, he was no longer teaching in the synagogue; he was teaching by the lakeside. He had made the orthodox approach to the people; now he had to take unusual methods. We do well to note that Jesus was prepared to use new methods. He was willing to take religious preaching and teaching out of its conventional setting in the synagogue into the open air and among the crowds of ordinary men and women. Like the rabbis of his time, Jesus used simple word-pictures, called parables, to help people understand who God is and what his kingdom or reign is like in the form called parables.
At the beginning of Mark 4, we see Jesus speaking to the people in a Parable of the Sower, who went out spreading seeds, which is the Word of God. The Sower is Jesus. The different type of soil best represents you. The devil works his way into everyone`s heart at some point in their lives. It is up to us to realize that he is there, and he will do everything in his power to turn you over to the dark side. God`s seeds land only in the best of places, where everything that comes from Him can survive the assault of what enemy can deliver.
The type of soil best represents us are the good ground. That is an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience. God wants us to bear fruit for Jesus. The word of God, we are hearing should grew in our mind, and brought forth fruit one hundred times.
Now as we come to our text today, we learn that after Jesus finished teaching in parables to the people about the kingdom of God, Jesus gives His Word to His disciples to get into a boat to cross to the other side and other smaller boats follow. When a terrifying storm convinced the disciples they were about to die, they forgot the most important factor; Jesus was on the boat and He had told them they were going to the other side of the lake. We all have been in a storm my brothers and sister, yes some of us have experience natural storm such as hurricanes and tornadoes winds, floods and snow storms. Some of us may be in a storm right now such as marriage storm, financial storms, or even in a health storm, but no matter whom you are or where you come from my message to you today is called, “We’re In The Same Boat!”
Text: Mark 4:35-41 KJV
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
We’re In The Same Boat
We have the tendency to think that no one faces the same temptations, challenges, or storms we do. Paul, my brothers and sisters, however, tell us no temptation comes to us except that which is common to man. Not only were with the disciples crossing the lake but “other little ships” follow them across the Sea of Galilee. When it comes to temptation, “We’re In The Same Boat!”
Jesus had taught about His Word, and had given His Word to His disciples that they would make it to the other side. But whether regarding a promise Jesus gave His disciples, or one He gives to you, after teaching my brothers and sisters comes testing. Amen!
If you were taught the Word in Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. There will always become testing. When the bills are due and there is no food on the table the children need shoes we still have to TRUST and believe in the LORD we cannot let these things take our eyes off GOD. Continue to pray and fast and meditate on HIS word and it will sustain us. We have to hold on to HIS WORD, HIS PROMISES, HIS LOVE, and ENDURE till the end for HE is a GOD of HIS word. “We’re In The Same Boat!”
If Jesus is in your boat, it can’t sink. If He’s in your life, you won’t go down. He promised to perfect that which concerns you. And though the storm might rage, causing you to say “Master, don’t you care that I’m perishing!” He’s not worried. He sleeping- not apathy but with great security. You see my brothers and sisters, while we take responsible of a situation, we must never take control of it God will allow us to mess us our situation. When we take control, God rest, but when we release it to God we can rest. “We’re In The Same Boat!”
Thus, concerning your storms, my brothers and sisters you may be going through even now or perhaps the ones you will face tomorrow, the Lord is not wondering if you going to make it. He’s resting in His love. He knows He’s going to see you through. When you release it to the Lord He will rise and say “Be Still!” Be still literally means “be muzzled.” He will put a muzzle on the mouth of your storms. Your storm was actually stirred up by Satan, but when you release it to the Lord; He will put a muzzle on Satan. When Jesus upset Satan’s plan and calm the storm, not only were the disciples at peace, but all the “other little boats were spared as well. If you keep His Word in the storms in your life Jesus will bring things back to order and peace and not only your life will be brought back to order, but the people around you will be as peace as well. We’re In The Same Boat!”
Conclusion
It is not the outward circumstances we have to fear, but the inward waves of fear and faithlessness that well up within us. We’re In The Same Boat!” The Lord has given us His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter how strong the storm might seems, no matter the force of the waves that beat upon your boat, if we love God according to His purpose, all things will work together for your good. The One who calm the storm was the One who allowed the storm in order to teach us to believe His Word. Amen!
