Instruction
Scripture: Mark 4:34-41
The miracle of calming the sea follows a series of parables
about the kingdom of God, and it also is first in a series of miracles that
display Jesus’ divine power. The focus of this miracle is Jesus’ power over
creation; the wind and the sea obey him. Mark records this miracle so that we
can see Jesus as both human (he sleeps) and God so that we might have faith in
him and trust him in all circumstances of our lives.
Teaching
Jesus is both human and divine. Wearied as he was from the work
of his ministry Jesus fell asleep in the stern of the boat. His peacefulness
contrasted the panic of his disciples. As a man his faith and trust in his
Father superseded the threat of the storm, so he rested quietly. As God
incarnate Jesus displayed his power in calming the storm and the sea; they heard
their Creator’s voice and obeyed.
Life
It is our privilege to hear our Creator’s voice through the
Bible. Jesus’ miracle shows that he cares for his disciples, and that includes
modern day disciples like you and me. While he commands the storm and sea,
“Peace! Be still!” he gives those gifts to those who have faith in him. No
matter what happens in the world around us we can be at peace and be still
knowing that Jesus is our God. He who slept in the stern laid down his life for
us. He will not abandon us in our time of need.
Prayer
This prayer combines
the themes of Instruction and Confession.
Lord Jesus, teach us to trust you more fully. When our lives
feel like we are being tossed by a storm, help us to realize that you are there
in the midst of them with us. Keep us mindful of your power and presence. What
can this life do to us? When you are with us there is nothing that can destroy
us and nothing that can ultimately harm us. It is true that our bodies may be
harmed or even killed, but when we walk with you by faith we know that the end
of this earthly life is but the moment that we enter into your presence and
fully experience your peace. Give us your Holy Spirit so that we might learn to
trust you all the more deeply and that we would learn to trust you in the midst
of all dangers.
We confess that our fears too often overwhelm us. As we
experience the dangers and struggles of life we sometimes wonder, as your
disciples did, if you care about us. Our lives are so attuned to what we
experience in our physical being that we lose sight of the greater reality that
you have brought to us; we are part of the kingdom of God! Forgive us for be so
focused on this world and this life that we lose sight of what you have done
for us by dying and rising to rescue us from all that is sinful, harmful, and damning.
Forgive us for our lack of faith. Forgive us for the many times we seek to
solve our problems apart from you. Forgive us for thinking that we have the
wherewithal to protect ourselves. Forgive us for not being at peace in your
presence, but being fretful and anxious about what the future holds. Please
forgive us for these and all other sins that reveal our lack of trust in you,
for you are our Savior, Lord, God, and King. Amen.
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