Matt 14:22-36 The Storm
1. The Ministry Of Christ In The Storm.
(a) The Purposeful Ministry Of Christ.
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
Storms Of Correction - Jonah
Storms Of Perfection - Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Disciples had to learn to face the storm without Jesus.
(b) The Prayerful Ministry Of Christ.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches over His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth over them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, 'tis a heaven of heavens to me
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!
(c) The Practical Ministry Of Christ.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
Isa 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
2. The Mercy Of Christ In The Storm.
(a) Engagement in the Storm 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
(b) Encouragement in the Storm 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,
Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
(c) Enlightenment in the Storm 27 Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
His Sovereignty, His Sympathy, His Sufficiency.
3. The Mastery Of Christ In The Storm.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
(a) The Moment Of Danger 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid;
(b) The Menace of Distraction and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
(c) The Miracle Of Deliverance 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
When the storms of life are raging, Tempests wild on sea and land,
I will seek a place of refuge, In the shadow of God’s hand.
Refrain
He will hide me, He will hide me, Where no harm can e’er betide me;
He will hide me, safely hide me, In the shadow of His hand.
Tho’ He may send some affliction,’Twill but make me long for home;
For in love and not in anger, All His chastenings will come.
Enemies may strive to injure, Satan all his arts employ;
He will turn what seems to harm me, Into everlasting joy.
So, while here the cross I’m bearing, Meeting storms and billows wild,
Jesus for my soul is caring, Naught can harm His Father’s child.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
