June 19, 2015

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 As a man his faith and trust in his Father superseded the threat of the storm, so he rested quietly.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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