October 3, 2021
Morning Service

Last week Jesus taught us through the use of parables.  Through the parables of the mustard seed and leaven, Jesus revealed to us that the kingdom He was building was starting small but would grow in a phenomenal fashion.  It has in reality changed the entire world.  We are each chosen to be part of that kingdom and to be part of its growth.  The parables of the hidden treasure and the beautiful pearl showed us the value we are to place on our relationship with the Lord.  We are to be “all in” for Jesus placing our relationship with Him as the top priority in our life.  On Sunday night we learned of the fate of John the Baptist and experienced another miracle occur before our eyes.  Jesus fed the 5000 (really 10+) with only 5 loaves of bread and two fish.  He again built our faith in that nothing is impossible with God and when we give all we have, He makes that enough.  I try to picture the disciples serving from baskets that got fuller as people took from them!  Imagine after the crowd had eaten and the disciples were excitedly talking about what they had just seen and then look over at the twelve baskets of left overs.  Next they would look at Jesus in wonder, amazement and now greater faith that He is who He says He is. They had certainly learned that the One they are following was able to supply all of their needs regardless of the circumstances.  Trust Him in your time of need because He is able.  Today our study picks up right at that point as Jesus sends the multitude home and sends the disciples into a storm.

Mat 14:22-23 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  (23)  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

            Two points here.  First, Jesus sent the disciples to go on without Him to the other side of the sea.  He knew a storm was coming, but sent them anyway.  Secondly, Jesus displays for us the way He “refueled.”  He made time to be alone with His Father and pray a priority.  This time for Jesus and for us nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet the challenges and struggles that are ahead.  We each need to develop a discipline to spend time with the Lord and grow spiritually.  A relationship grows with communication of both talking and listening.  Prayer is our way to talk to the Lord and Bible study is how we listen to Him.  Find a time and a quiet place that works for you and commit to just spending time with Jesus.

Mat 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

            The disciples had sailed into a storm that Jesus had sent them to.  Following Jesus does not mean we are protected from all harm along our journey.  We are often directed to sail into a storm that life stirs up around us.  God did not lose track of us and we stumble into storms by chance.  No, He directs us into the storm.  He has something for us to learn from the struggles of life.  James tells us to have a JOYFUL attitude when trials come.

Jas 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  (4)  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

            The storms of life are sent not to break us or defeat us, but to perfect us, to complete us.  God places us in the storm to make our faith real and produce growth in us.  We are better because of the storms be joyful in them and be seeking for what God is teaching you.

Mat 14:25-26 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  (26)  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

            The disciples were struggling to get across the sea and certainly were feeling the stress of the moment at between 3 and 6AM when they saw something they had never seen before.  Something or someone walking across the top of the water.  Their first reaction was fear; the unknown often creates fear.  We are created that way to protect ourselves.  Jesus seeks to calm their fears as but notice how.

Mat 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

            The very presence of Jesus changes everything!  “Don’t be afraid of the storm, I am here with you” he tells each of us when fear enters in.  One of the parables last week spoke of “old and new treasures” referring to the foreshadowing prophecies of the OT and the new covenant that brought things into perfection.  Look at how God spoke to Isaiah in this same comforting way.

Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

            Those are comforting words that Jesus is speaking to you this morning with all that is happening in your life.  “I am with you.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you.”  We survive the storm because of His strength not our own; nothing is beyond His control.  He will not let us down.  Trust Him in the storm relying on His presence with you.  Peter now shows his faith in a classic Peter kind of way.

Mat 14:28-33 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."  (29)  So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  (30)  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"  (31)  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  (32)  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  (33)  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

            Peter is the only one in the boat to speak out in faith fully trusting that it was Jesus and He is the Son of God.  He steps out by faith and walks upon the top of the water going towards His Master.  We need not be judgmental of Peter, but envious.  How many of us “stay in the safety of the boat” and never step out by faith onto the water?  There are times in our lives that we have to step outside the boat by faith trusting Jesus alone for our safety.  It can be scary to venture outside my “safety zone” and act solely on faith, but results sometimes only come from putting my faith into action.  Yes, there are times we sink just as Peter did, but don’t let the fear of failure stop you from stepping out; “get out of the boat.”

            Peter was walking on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus.  But when he looked away from Him and looked at his circumstance instead of Jesus, he sunk quickly.  What a lesson for each of us.  Stay focused on the Lord!  Don’t get caught up in fear focusing on the storm that surrounds us.  He is there for us no matter the circumstances we are faced with.  He is with us, strengthens us, helps us, and will rescue us as He did Peter.  Our faith will waver and we will fail at some point in our journey; it is not if but when.  The key is how you handle the failure.  As Peter began to sink, he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus moved in to save Him.  The same is true for us.  When you find yourself drowning in a situation beyond your control or in one you created cry out for His help and He will be there!

            The storm fulfilled its purpose as soon as Jesus got into the boat it ceased.  Storms will come, but they will also pass in time.  Learn from the struggle, pain and discomfort.  Learn to trust Jesus and keep your eyes always upon Him.

 

Heavenly Father thank You for leading us into the storms of life.  Please help us to find joy in them and hold on to the fact that through them we are growing closer to You.