“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?’ 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. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ 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]
It was approaching midnight. We had to pass through the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma as we journeyed to Kansas. The Arbuckle Mountains aren’t really mountains; rather, they are steep hills set in some incredibly rugged terrain. Our three children were asleep in the back seat, Lynda was in the passenger seat, and I was driving. Suddenly, the loudest crash imaginable shook the car, wakening the children and causing Lynda to scream in terror. We had driven into a Midwestern thunderstorm. Such storms come on suddenly and often give scant warning of what is about to break over the land. It is somewhat common that the blackness can mask violent tornados that snake downward to wreak devastation before withdrawing again into the glowering clouds.
The lightning flashed seemingly within mere meters of the car; and each time the thunder crashed the vehicle shook. Rain pelted the windshield so violently that the wipers were unable to keep the windows clear to allow me to see what might lie ahead. I had lived through numerous severe storms, having grown up in Kansas and having lived in Texas for more than ten years. We have witnessed hail the size of softballs smashing down. Our family has hunkered down in our car, and at other times in our house, as tornadoes roared overhead. We have on numerous occasions witnessed heavy rains, colloquially known as “toad stranglers and gully washers.” However, never have I experienced a thunderstorm that seemed to be so close to the ground, a storm in which the thunder deafened as did that storm that one dark night in the Arbuckle Mountains.
For almost an hour the terrifying storm raged, as I doggedly willed the Oldsmobile Cutlass to go just a little farther, praying the entire time for God’s protection for our family while Lynda vainly tried to comfort the children. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the thunder ceased, lightning no longer flashed past the car, and the rain stopped. We had passed through the storm. Behind us, we could see the lightning continuing to flash and still hear the thunder crashing. However, looking up, we saw an open sky, a pale moon, and bright stars. There was peace on the other side of the storm.
Something like that happened once as Jesus’ disciples rowed a boat across the body of water we know as the Sea of Galilee. To call it a sea may be a bit of a stretch in the estimate of many people. Nevertheless, it was thirteen kilometers across the water and that meant a boat was required to get to the settlements on the eastern shore.
When the men began what should have been a brief journey, there was no wind, so the men set to with the oars. Thirteen kilometers isn’t all that far, but it still meant that some time would be required in the boat for the men to cross the sea. Using the sail would usually mean they would enjoy a leisurely trip. There were oars for those times a boat was becalmed or if one needed to make better time. They hadn’t gone far when a storm broke over the sea. It was unlike any storm these men had ever experienced. It was violent, almost evil as if directed by some malevolent foe.
The men struggled at the oars, pulling hard to make headway against the waves. However, their efforts were futile. They could make no headway. And the waves were so massive that the little barque was filling with water, about to be swamped. Momentarily they would be thrown into the water and the boat would be broken by the violence of the waves. The disciples had never felt such terror as they felt at the moment. Numbered among these disciples were fishermen, men used to being on the water in all sorts of conditions! And they were terrified at what they were witnessing at that time. And through all this, the Master was asleep in the stern of the boat.
There was only one thing to do. Quick! Waken the Master before we all perish! Some staggered to the back of the boat to shout at the Master, “Teacher! Don’t You care that we’re going to die?” When the Teacher had awakened, He rebuked the storm as though scolding a misbehaving puppy: “Calm down! Be still!” Suddenly, it was as though there had never been a storm.
Jesus challenged the disciples, “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith yet” [MARK 4:40 ISV]. If those men hadn’t been afraid before, they were certainly filled with fear now! Looking at one another they asked, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey Him” [MARK 4:41 ISV]! And they continued their journey across the sea, arriving at the other side, in the territory of the Gerasenes. The disciples were safe so long as the Master was in the boat.
LET’S GO ACROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE — “On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to [His disciples], ‘Let us go across to the other side’” [MARK 4:35]. It had been an exhausting day for Jesus and for the disciples. While in the synagogue, most likely the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus had healed a man with a withered hand. This merciful act precipitated a conflict with the Pharisees, who then enlisted the Herodians in opposition to the Master [see MARK 3:1-6]. Conflict is exhausting, as you well know.
In response to this growing trouble, Jesus and His disciples moved to the seashore. However, as was almost always the case, a great crowd composed of people from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea and far beyond the Jordan, even including people from Tyre and Sidon came to where Jesus was. There were so many people, that to avoid being crushed, Jesus told the disciples to secure a boat so that He could teach from the boat. The water would help amplify His voice so that the people could hear what was being said. The day was spent teaching, healing those who were sick and injured. Throughout the day, whenever those plagued by unclean spirits came near Jesus, they fell down before Him confessing, “You are the Son of God” [see MARK 3:7-12].
Teaching can be exhausting. Add to this the incessant demand for healing and for dealing with demonic powers, and you may be sure that Jesus felt exhausted. Remember, Jesus was doing this teaching without time to pray or to reflect, just simply meeting the needs of those about Him—many of whom were unaware that they even had needs!
That same day, Jesus chose the Twelve, appointing them to the ministry of the Apostles. Having appointed them to this ministry, He instructed them in how they were to conduct themselves as they fulfilled the ministry they had received. After this, He went back to His home in Capernaum, but the crowds that followed Him were so great that He couldn’t even eat. The situation became so chaotic that His mother, together with his brothers and sisters, concluded that He had gone mad. They united to confront Him, intending to seize Him and force Him back to His childhood home [see MARK 3:13-21].
As these events played out, there was yet another confrontation with the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem. These confrontations were frequent, and they were always emotionally draining. These religious leaders were discrediting Him before the crowds that followed Him, insisting that He was demon possessed. In fact, they concocted the tale that He was possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. They tried to spread the tale that His power over the demonic beings was because His demon was the greatest demon of all! This wicked tale provided the occasion for Jesus to teach about the deadly sin of blasphemy.
Listen to Jesus’ teaching concerning this dreadful sin. “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” [MARK 3:23-29].
Then, refusing to give up, Jesus’ mother and His brothers again came to seize Him. This time Jesus made a break with His family in the presence of the great crowd. When told that His mother and brothers were seeking Him, Jesus asked, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then, looking about at the crowd seated around Him, Jesus said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” [MARK 3:33-35].
All these events would ensure that the Master was exhausted as result of the emotional drain. Physical fatigue is real, and emotional exhaustion exaggerates whatever physical fatigue one may feel. Though Jesus is Lord of all, though He is very God, we must never forget that He was fully man. Recall how Jesus responded to a man who avowed his determination to follow Him. “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” [LUKE 9:58]. This provides insight into the stunning testimony provided when the Apostle writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” [PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8].
The immediate scene for understanding our text is set when Mark informs us, “[Jesus] began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. And he was teaching them many things in parables” [MARK 4:1-2].
What follows in Mark’s account are a series of parables, most of which address the growth of the Kingdom of God. The parables necessitated taking time to instruct His disciples so that they didn’t go off with a distorted view of what He had just said. So, not only was He teaching the crowds, but He was constantly providing clarification to the disciples so that they would be able to amplify what He said as they taught in the future.
It had been an exhausting several days, and the crowds were still growing. Our natural reaction is to argue that Jesus needed to stay where He was to minister to the people who were coming. I mean, they were coming to hear what He had to say! Didn’t He have a responsibility to meet their expectations? That’s what we would say, isn’t it? Our inclination seems to say that He needed to do what the people wanted? That’s the way we would have handled the situation. Satisfying those demanding our full attention seems to be common sense for us. I mean, don’t we want to be famous? Or, if not famous, recognised and adulated by the crowds?
That is certainly the way in which Jesus’ brothers saw what He was doing. They assumed that He would surely have welcomed fame. They would! Do you remember how they confronted their elder brother just before the Feast of Tabernacles? The account is given in John’s Gospel, where we read, “Now the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. So, Jesus’ brothers advised him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples may see your miracles that you are performing. For no one who seeks to make a reputation for himself does anything in secret. If you are doing these things, show yourself to the world’” [JOHN 7:2-4 NET BIBLE].
His brothers were viewing what He was doing from the perspective of the world. They had never witnessed someone who drew so many people to himself and didn’t take full advantage of generating even more excitement. That is certainly the way in which you and I think, isn’t it? All His brothers could see was that Jesus was seeking to make a reputation for Himself. And if all He wanted was to make a reputation for Himself, He couldn’t stay in the shadows. He needed to be seen, to do His works openly. Then He would become famous. However, John notes, “Not even his brothers believed in him” [JOHN 7:5].
In our text, we note that the crowds were growing, and the physical drain on those sparking great crowds is greater than we might imagine. We know that famous singers will drive themselves to the point of exhaustion just to satisfy their fans. Similarly, noted preachers will speak until their voice gives out or until they are emotionally drained and unable to continue delivering their messages. Such individuals feel compelled to give the crowds what they seek. One major difference with Jesus and those who seek notoriety in our world is that Jesus wasn’t really in need of fans, He wasn’t motivated by the accolades He received. Jesus delivered the message the Father gave Him whether the crowds were present or whether He spoke to one person. It was the message that was foremost in His work. In fact, Mark opens the Gospel bearing his name by noting, “After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God” [MARK 1:14].
What is important for our study at this time is to note that Jesus was seeking a respite from the constant demands upon Himself. But I suspect that it was not only Jesus’ physical well-being that elicited this move, but it was His concern for the disciples. We forget that the disciples had been busy themselves, working steadily throughout this same period. And while they didn’t have the same expectations pressing on themselves, they were still under constant pressure simply because they were disciples of Jesus.
Here is the important takeaway for each one listening to the study drawn from the account informing us that Jesus withdrew from the crowds. We can drive ourselves to the point of physical exhaustion. Beyond this, when we are in a position of leadership, we must consider not only our physical wellbeing, but that of those who labour with us and for whom we bear responsibility. We who lead must take ownership of our need to withdraw from the press of constant demands to seek a respite; and we must encourage those we shepherd to likewise seek rest when they have become exhausted.
I am not saying that we will avoid trouble by taking time to rest and to refresh ourselves, but we will be better equipped to meet the challenges that arise when we are adequately rested. I understand that there will be some who abuse the call to get enough rest, but it does not change reality, and the reality is that the challenges we face on an ongoing basis sap the energy required to carry out the basic tasks of each day.
Though you already know it, I will remind you who hear me at this time that we are tripartite beings. We are each a living soul, and we have a spirit that is given by God. Moreover, we are housed in a body that is wearing down as entropy exerts its inexorable drain on life. We do very well at focusing on the physical. And we usually manage the soulish demands by encouraging the creative and intellectual aspects of our being.
The spiritual aspects are often relegated to a secondary position to the soul and the body. If an opportunity to refresh our body at the lake, or in the mountains, or through a trip arises, we readily forsake nourishing our spirit by sharing in the services of the assembly. If an opportunity to renew our intellectual pursuits, a trip to the symphony or an opportunity to read the latest novel, comes along, that takes precedence over worshipping the Saviour. I remind you that worship in the company of your fellow Christians is an opportunity to refresh your spirit in the presence of God Who gives us His spirit. I don’t want anyone to imagine that I am discouraging refreshing the body through having time to restore energy by recreation. Neither do I want anyone to think that I don’t encourage restoring our creative and intellectual juices. However, I caution each of us to remember that the spirit God has given us is every bit as important—perhaps more so—as the other parameters of our being.
WHEN THE STORM ARISES — “A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?’ 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. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith’” [MARK 4:37-40]?
Always a storm is pending for us as Christians; life isn’t one magnificent pleasure cruise. The issue for us, especially for us who are followers of the Son of God, is when will the storm burst, not if the storm will strike. Mick Jagger had it right when he sang,
O, a storm is threatening, my very life today
If I don’t get some shelter, I’m gonna’ fade away
O, see the fire is sweeping, our streets today
Burns like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost its way. [2]
It has been said that for us as Christians, at any given time either a storm is threatening us, or we are in the midst of a storm, or we are just coming out of a storm. Here is what I mean by this observation. We who are twice born are citizens of Heaven, and thus the world is always opposed to our presence. You may recall that our Lord has taught us, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause’” [JOHN 15:18-25].
The Master’s teaching in this instance anticipates the words John would write: “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” [1 JOHN 3:13-15].
Jesus contrasts the work of the devil and Himself when He says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” [JOHN 10:10]. If you belong to the Lord’s flock, know that the devil wants to kill you. That truth needs to be said again with emphasis: Christian, the devil wants to kill you! If the devil can’t destroy you through seducing you to turn from following the Master and then embracing the attitudes of this dying world, he will assail you through sending against you people who are thoroughly identified as belonging to this dying world. And tragically, some of those coming against you will be dearly loved friends or even family.
Do you recall the warning Jesus has given us who follow in His steps? “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household” [MATTHEW 10:34-36]. The Master’s language is sharp and abrupt. At the point we would be expecting peace, a sword is suddenly thrust at us!
I suppose some will be surprised by what the Apostle of Love says, or even by what the Master Himself has said. And I have no doubt that many will dismiss what the Word asserts as being just plain wrong. Many Christians want to imagine that the world loves us. However, guided by the Spirit of Christ, John informs all who follow the Risen Lord of Glory, “The world hates you.” Christian, “The world hates you!” And the Master cautions you that the prince of this darkened world seeks your destruction.
You are extremely foolish if you attempt to make friends with the world. The Word of God is pointed in warning against attempting to make any such move if you are a follower of the Risen Saviour. Listen as James challenges us, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” [JAMES 4:4].
I am compelled to issue a cautionary statement to each person who hears me speaking at this time. We who follow the Prince of Peace seek peace with all people, especially those of our own family. However, if you stand firm in the Faith of Christ the Lord, even beloved family members will oppose you. You do not need to condemn their actions or even register open disappointment in their manner of life; you need only endeavour to live a holy life. They will feel judged by your life, and they cannot help but resent the fact that you are not willing to make concessions for them. They will not understand why you don’t love them more than you love the Master.
Perhaps it will help to understand this situation by recalling Peter’s admonition, when he wrote: “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does” [1 PETER 4:1-6].
Scope in on that fourth verse that reveals why there is hostility toward you when you attempt to live a godly life. One contemporary translation brings this out when it reads, “They insult you now because they are surprised that you are no longer joining them in the same excesses of wild living” [1 PETER 4:4 ISV]. You went from participating in the lifestyle that makes them comfortable, or at the least you went from tolerating that style of life they have chosen, to a life that endeavours to discover what honours the Lord. You now eagerly seek to do His will, and your very desires are objectionable to those who do not know the Lord. Of course, those with whom you once shared life are going to imagine that you are judging them. And the worst thing that an outsider can have happen to them is to feel as though they are being judged for their life choices.
CONQUERING THE STORM — [“The disciples] were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him’” [MARK 4:41]? Let’s be candid with one another. We will usually seek shelter when a storm breaks, and we may even find shelter, but we are unable to control the storm.
We cannot avoid storms, either in daily life or in our personal life. There are always storms that will come into our lives, storms that will break over us and which we will not be able to escape. In our text, the disciples were on the sea, and there would be no place for them to escape the storm that suddenly raged about them. They would have to make shore quickly, or the barque in which they sailed would be swamped and they would all be drowned.
That too often describes our experience when the storms of life break over us. We cannot find shelter, and exposed as we are, we know we are in danger of being destroyed. The disciples were terrified, just as we are terrified when violent storms break. Our experience, everything we have learned through living in this world, informs us that we will shortly be destroyed, our lives smashed on the rocks and we ourselves overwhelmed by the tempestuous sea.
Here is a truth that needs to be trumpeted by all who follow the Lord of the Storm. So long as Christ is in the boat, it will never sink. So long as the Master was in the boat, even though he was resting, the disciples were never in danger. And even when not in the boat, the Master could enable His disciple to walk above the waves, striding through the storm as a victor rather than cowering as a victim. To witness this, recall another incident when the disciples witnessed Jesus coming to them by walking on the water. “After [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’
“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased” [MATTHEW 14:23-32].
I want the people of God to realise that Christ is their strong tower. He is the rock on which they stand when all around is crashing down. He is their mighty protector and the defender of their lives. In Him, His people are secure from the waves and the wind that will destroy others. Jesus, the Son of God speaks up for His own before the Father, so that the enemies of the Faith are rendered powerless. Christ the Master, He Who called all things into being, can quell the storm with just a word. Make certain that He is with you, and no terror can come near. He will bring us through the storm. Amen.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORM — “They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes” [MARK 5:1]. The disciples had someplace they needed to go. They didn’t know that they needed to go to the other side. They had been on a pleasant cruise when the storm broke and threatened them. And the purpose was… Well, what was the purpose of travelling through a storm? Why did they have to face those massive waves and the fierce wind?
Here is the point that we often forget: God is in control of our life. We pass through a storm, and we imagine that it is just one of those things. After the fact, we who are followers of the Risen Saviour will sometimes reflect on what took place and how the Master worked in our lives. At such times we recall, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” [ROMANS 8:28]. Then, we realise that because we belong to Him, our life is not simply a collection of random events. There is purpose in all that takes place in our lives. Throughout all the events that make up our lives, the Lord is watching over us.
I know it can be particularly difficult to believe that God is always watching over us. This is especially true when you feel as if you’ve never done anything of significance. When others are being praised, and the praise showered on them is for doing things that really make no difference, especially when viewed in light of eternity. When you lovingly serve to build others and no one notices you, it is easy to begin to think that God doesn’t really care.
I recently happened upon a touching story that seems appropriate for application to the message this day. It is especially meaningful for some of you because you are passing through a storm right now. You undoubtedly question what is happening, you wonder why the Father has permitted you to experience such turmoil. And yet, you haven’t quit. You have lifted yourself from the ground each time you were beaten down, and you began again to walk with the Saviour. The journey has been demanding, but you have not quit. You can’t see what is on the other side of the storm because the way is so dark going forward. Listen to this story.
As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles.
An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that was our life.
But as my Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares were. They were filled with giant holes! Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I had endured, (which were the largest holes of all).
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Others had a tiny hole here and there; other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.
I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare, and empty, like binding air. Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light and the scrutiny of truth. The others rose each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My Angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father, in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes opened wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded through the many holes, creating an image. It was the face of Christ.
Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you... Welcome Home My Child.” [3]
Dear people, know that Christ is always with you in the storms you face. You will face storms, many of which will be intense, threatening to destroy whatever progress you thought to make. However, you will pass through these violent storms, and you will survive. You will survive, not because you are resolute and resilient, but because you are not deserted, the Master of life is with you. So long as He is in the little barque that carries you, the storms that threaten will not overwhelm you. You will reach the other side. Isn’t this what we learn when we hear the Lord speaking through Isaiah?
“Thus says the LORD,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God.’”
[ISAIAH 43:1-3a]
Our Master is always with us, ensuring that each of us is secure and safe. I want us to know that the Master stands with His people in the assembly of the righteous, watching over us and ensuring that we are kept safe. Among the Psalms our family memorised was one that became a favourite for Lynda. This is that Psalm,
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.”
[PSALM 121:1-8]
This is the heritage of all who rest in the Son of God. Hasn’t He promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” [JOHN 14:27]. Of course, we are given this peace, and the peace we received is because our Saviour, our Great Protector is ever with us. Hasn’t He promised, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” [MATTHEW 28:20]! He is the same One who has promised us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” [HEBREWS 13:5]! We are assured that we will pass safely through the raging storm. Amen.
[1] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[2] Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, “Gimme Shelter,” ©1969
[3] N/A, “The Quilt: Inspirational Christian Story,” the-quilt.pdf (heavensinspirations.com) accessed 1 October 2021
