WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.740 But as we get into this passage today, and it's blowing my mind this week thinking about Jesus here, 00:00:04.839 --> 00:00:07.120 let me tell you about my mobile phone provider. 00:00:07.740 --> 00:00:13.320 And just so you know I'm not showing preference to mine, we'll just call them a phone voter, okay? 00:00:14.859 --> 00:00:20.160 When I first signed on the dotted line with my mobile phone company, 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:24.800 I remember there was a big slogan emblazoned at the top, 00:00:25.560 --> 00:00:28.160 and it just said, power to you. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:37.719 And it stroked my ego, I remember thinking, yes, yes, love that, power to you. 00:00:38.259 --> 00:00:43.700 Now, it was British writer Norman Douglas who famously said 00:00:43.700 --> 00:00:49.659 that you can tell an ideals of a nation by its advertisements. 00:00:50.439 --> 00:00:51.640 Take that in for a minute. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:54.780 You can tell the ideals of a nation by its advertisements. 00:00:54.780 --> 00:01:04.879 You see, here's the thing that I reckon my mobile phone provider and all the big companies have figured out pretty quickly about the human heart. 00:01:05.799 --> 00:01:06.439 And it's this. 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:10.500 Particularly for us, I think, if we're living in the West today, we know this to be true. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:18.560 It's that deep down, every single one of us on one level or another, we're all control freaks. 00:01:18.560 --> 00:01:22.920 We want to have comfort cells in our world. 00:01:23.719 --> 00:01:27.140 We want to have every base in our life covered. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:33.180 And yet, despite all the bubble wrap that we try and put around ourselves, 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:37.420 we try and put around those that we love and the things that we care about, 00:01:37.560 --> 00:01:41.980 how often does life, and I wonder if this was true for you last year, 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:47.400 as my American friends would say, how often does life curveball us? 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:56.020 In other words, things happen in our lives that we just don't see coming at all. 00:01:56.360 --> 00:02:01.219 And whoever you are here today, if there's anything in your life right now, 00:02:01.300 --> 00:02:05.040 as you think about the year past, as you think about the year to come, 00:02:05.100 --> 00:02:07.760 if there's anything going on right now that makes you fearful, 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:11.180 and it makes you nervous and anxious, 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:18.740 then we need, our souls need, the man who's at the heart of this passage today. 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:28.159 Now, my one aim is to help us see that we can rest in the truth that we are not in control 00:02:28.159 --> 00:02:34.600 when we embrace the one person who is in control. 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:42.919 Jesus Christ, this man who we'll see here is so totally committed to his people. 00:02:44.299 --> 00:02:48.019 He's totally committed to you this morning, if your trust is in him. 00:02:48.139 --> 00:02:49.680 He's totally committed to you. 00:02:50.439 --> 00:02:57.400 And he's totally committed to teaching his people things about them and about him 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:02.979 in order that he would woo our hearts closer to who he is and trusting in him. 00:03:04.599 --> 00:03:10.340 You see, the Jesus School of Faith has got many classrooms. 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:16.400 In the Gospels, as you read them, and as you read the early chapters of Mark, 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:20.079 as you get up to this point, you see Jesus, he teaches people 00:03:20.079 --> 00:03:23.500 in everyday places through everyday things. 00:03:24.900 --> 00:03:26.539 We see him at a well. 00:03:26.699 --> 00:03:28.539 We see him in the grain fields. 00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:31.259 We see him beside the sea. 00:03:31.259 --> 00:03:33.359 We see him in the synagogue. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:35.820 We see him walking with people. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:42.400 But as well as many classrooms, the Jesus School of Faith has many crucibles. 00:03:44.200 --> 00:03:49.360 They always say, don't you, that when you want to see what somebody really believes, 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:54.180 see how they respond in a moment of crisis. 00:03:54.180 --> 00:03:56.140 Right? 00:03:56.260 --> 00:04:00.020 Think of it, boys and girls, if you're like me in your bath. 00:04:01.300 --> 00:04:01.620 Right? 00:04:02.300 --> 00:04:03.560 Ines, do you take a bath at night? 00:04:04.640 --> 00:04:05.400 No, you don't. 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:06.540 There you go. 00:04:06.640 --> 00:04:08.939 Well, our girls take a bath at night. 00:04:09.180 --> 00:04:13.379 And I'm always reminded of this every time I look in and I hold up the sponge. 00:04:14.420 --> 00:04:15.319 The sponge. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:16.639 Boys and girls, think about it. 00:04:16.639 --> 00:04:18.620 How do you know what's in a sponge? 00:04:20.180 --> 00:04:21.379 Or adults, think about it. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:23.800 How do you know what it's absorbed? 00:04:24.419 --> 00:04:27.000 How do you know what it's soaked up? 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:28.379 How do you know what it's taken in? 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:30.519 There's only one way to find out what's in a sponge. 00:04:31.560 --> 00:04:33.680 It's what comes out when you squeeze it. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:38.180 And that's exactly what happens to the disciples today, isn't it? 00:04:38.220 --> 00:04:40.819 It struck me when I was reading this through. 00:04:42.280 --> 00:04:43.800 I wonder if you've ever thought about this before. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:48.160 That Jesus could easily have left the disciples on the shore, 00:04:48.720 --> 00:04:50.819 given them a pair of binoculars, 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:55.040 and said, why don't you watch on from the shore while I calm the storm? 00:04:55.199 --> 00:04:57.319 He could have done that, couldn't he, if you think about it? 00:04:58.960 --> 00:05:00.740 But he takes them with him. 00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:02.780 Why? 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:06.980 Because they are about to learn lessons in this boat, 00:05:07.459 --> 00:05:13.660 and their character is about to be moulded in ways that it just wouldn't be otherwise. 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:19.439 So I've got three really quick invitations for us today, 00:05:19.800 --> 00:05:24.199 and they're tied to the three questions that the people in the scene ask Jesus. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:29.000 So come with me to verse 35, and let's get into this drama together. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:34.259 And Jesus says, do you see verse 35 to his disciples? 00:05:34.420 --> 00:05:38.420 He says, let's get into the boat and go over to the other side. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:41.839 Now, do you see how the initiative is all of Jesus here? 00:05:41.839 --> 00:05:47.879 It's important to see that the disciples didn't get lost at sea. 00:05:48.619 --> 00:05:53.279 It's not like the sat-nav failed, or as once happened to Alex and I in a canoe, 00:05:54.560 --> 00:05:57.779 a rudder gets stuck at the wrong angle and you can't go anywhere. 00:05:57.779 --> 00:06:02.879 Jesus said, we're going from here and we're going to there. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:07.000 He's initiated this whole encounter that's about to go down here. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:11.939 From the get-go, do you see how Jesus is in complete control of this situation? 00:06:11.939 --> 00:06:17.519 And at some point in the journey, they get caught up in this huge storm. 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:21.240 And in addition to the description of the furious squall, 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:22.740 and I just love that phrase, 00:06:24.300 --> 00:06:26.259 when a storm is described as furious, 00:06:27.199 --> 00:06:31.319 here's what convinces me this was a huge storm. 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:36.060 It's what the men in this boat did for a job. 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:39.839 So many of these guys are fishermen. 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:45.259 They always say, don't they, that when the professionals say don't panic, 00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:48.500 you normally know that you don't need to panic. 00:06:48.620 --> 00:06:51.860 I take it that's why they had Chris Whitty on our screens every single day 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:55.220 during the COVID pandemic saying, it's okay. 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:58.759 But see, when the professionals start panicking, 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:03.459 that's when you sit up and you pay attention, don't you? 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:08.299 Here are fishermen panicking. 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:13.899 And yet strangely, all this time, will they go into survival mode? 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:18.180 Do you see Jesus, verse 38, what's he doing? 00:07:19.539 --> 00:07:24.539 And this is hugely profound in ways that I just hadn't really thought about before until this week. 00:07:24.679 --> 00:07:26.699 What is he doing? He is sleeping. 00:07:27.159 --> 00:07:29.179 Notice the eyewitness detail there. 00:07:29.579 --> 00:07:32.099 He's sleeping, but he's sleeping on a cushion. 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:37.140 So they're drowning and he's napping. 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:40.540 And here's where we get our first question. 00:07:40.700 --> 00:07:44.100 And it's from them to him, verse 38. 00:07:44.780 --> 00:07:46.580 And I don't imagine they asked it quietly. 00:07:46.860 --> 00:07:49.120 I don't imagine they asked it philosophically. 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:52.320 I imagine they screamed it and they say, 00:07:52.640 --> 00:07:55.080 teacher, don't you care if we drown? 00:07:55.900 --> 00:07:59.060 It's not so much a question as it's an accusation, isn't it? 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:01.000 Do you not care? 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:03.040 Do you really love us? 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:07.339 Why would you take us all the way out here only for this to happen? 00:08:07.600 --> 00:08:12.160 Because remember that these are the same disciples that Mark has just told us at chapter 3 00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:16.620 are the ones that Jesus has chosen to come and be with him. 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:22.780 And more than that, these are the disciples that are making the trip that Jesus told them to make. 00:08:22.840 --> 00:08:26.100 So we can understand their question. 00:08:28.259 --> 00:08:32.779 So here's the first thing I think the invitation that we need to see this passage makes to us. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:33.840 Here's the first one. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.580 Friends, never believe in a cold-hearted Jesus. 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:42.060 See, the very reason he's in the boat. 00:08:44.020 --> 00:08:46.440 More than that, the very reason that he's in the world. 00:08:47.759 --> 00:08:52.500 More than that, the very reason that this gospel will end with him going to the cross 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:58.520 and dying for them and rising again is because of his commitment to and love for them. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:04.360 Now some commentators, I remember that I read, said of this scene, 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:06.819 what a ridiculous question for the disciples to ask. 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:13.939 I would just custard pie that thought and say it just strikes me as a very human question to ask. 00:09:14.079 --> 00:09:19.079 I love, one of the things I love most about the Bible is it's filled with people who are just like me 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:24.240 and who lose it and who panic and who fret. 00:09:26.820 --> 00:09:29.020 Jesus is sleeping while they're panicking. 00:09:30.900 --> 00:09:34.860 You see, for Jesus to sleep, this is more than just that he was just tired. 00:09:39.300 --> 00:09:42.480 Although being fully man, he is. 00:09:44.540 --> 00:09:49.060 He's not sleeping because he's not panicking. 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:52.720 Now maybe you can think of it like this. 00:09:53.960 --> 00:09:56.060 Boys and girls, I don't know where your bedroom is at home, 00:09:57.320 --> 00:09:59.600 but our kids, their bedroom is upstairs. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.620 And our bedroom is downstairs. 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:08.480 And one of the reasons for that is really simply so that those guys will sleep well at night. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:11.320 Because they know if anybody comes into that house, 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:14.660 they have to go through us before they get to them. 00:10:14.659 --> 00:10:18.719 And it's true, isn't it, of us as human beings. 00:10:18.819 --> 00:10:22.379 We sleep best when we know we're safe. 00:10:22.379 --> 00:10:37.460 Jesus here, as a full man, is showing us the perfect example of human trust in a sovereign God. 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:42.720 A sovereign God who remembers Psalm 121 that we read at the start. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:46.820 A sovereign God who neither slumbers nor sleeps. 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:50.720 A sovereign God who is keeping his people. 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:59.000 Jesus doesn't sleep because he's trusting in the one who is in control of all things. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:08.040 And as God, he's showing us that we can sleep because he's in control and he's not panicking. 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:14.699 In other words, to get to us, ultimately, death needs to get past him first to get to us. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:19.159 I love this in the words of Charles Spurgeon. 00:11:20.459 --> 00:11:21.439 He put it like this, 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:27.599 The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests. 00:11:28.819 --> 00:11:32.819 His head at night, giving perfect peace. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:39.020 Dear friends, know that just because Jesus is seemingly inactive, 00:11:39.460 --> 00:11:44.879 it doesn't mean that he's ceased to be the one who is holding the stars in place. 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:52.080 Just because he is seemingly inactive doesn't mean that he's ceased to be the one that is giving you and I breath 00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:54.379 every single minute of every single day. 00:11:54.379 --> 00:12:00.300 There is wonderful comfort for us to be found in a sleeping Savior. 00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:05.540 Now, you might be here today and you're asking, 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:06.620 Why? 00:12:09.160 --> 00:12:11.520 Why did something happen in my life? 00:12:11.640 --> 00:12:13.500 How do I know this God cares? 00:12:15.460 --> 00:12:18.080 Listen, let me lovingly just say to you, 00:12:18.160 --> 00:12:20.900 there might be so many possible answers to that question. 00:12:22.020 --> 00:12:24.800 Some of them might be to do with stuff that we've done. 00:12:25.280 --> 00:12:29.980 Some of them might just be to do with the reality of the fact that we are living our lives 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:32.440 in a world that is east of Eden, 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:36.379 which is another way of saying in a world that is broken and is groaning 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:40.000 and is longing for its creator to renew it. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:43.820 But among those possible answers, 00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:45.779 if your trust is in this Jesus, 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:48.139 the answer cannot be 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:50.220 that he has dropped the ball. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:52.759 The answer cannot be 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.139 that he doesn't love you. 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:55.240 And you say, 00:12:55.319 --> 00:12:56.319 How can I know that? 00:12:57.779 --> 00:12:59.379 Well, it's ultimately, isn't it, 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:01.159 that we can look to the place 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:04.679 that these disciples will look for their answer to that question. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:07.659 Isn't that amazing when you read 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:10.100 the pastoral epistles particularly? 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:12.319 When you read John and Peter speaking, 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:14.840 two men that would have been in that boat, 00:13:15.819 --> 00:13:17.539 when the topic comes up of 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:19.360 how do we know God loves us? 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:20.519 They don't say 00:13:20.519 --> 00:13:23.539 God showed his love for us in this, 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:25.120 that while we were at sea, 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:26.639 he calmed it. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:28.680 No, no, no. 00:13:28.700 --> 00:13:29.320 They say, 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:32.940 How did God show his love among us? 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:37.240 He sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sin. 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:40.879 His precious blood covered all of our wrongs. 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:43.379 We can look ultimately today 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:46.279 to the same place that these disciples will look 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:48.279 for the ultimate answer to that question. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:50.559 We look to the cross. 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:53.419 The place, 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:55.100 and we've got to see the bigger picture here, 00:13:55.439 --> 00:13:56.279 the disciples understand 00:13:56.819 --> 00:13:59.019 that how God showed his love to us 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:00.699 wasn't in just calming 00:14:00.699 --> 00:14:03.179 our present situations. 00:14:04.419 --> 00:14:04.980 No, no, no. 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:07.600 It was by dealing with our eternal security. 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:14.279 This Jesus is right now 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:15.659 at the Father's right hand 00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:17.439 making intercession for us. 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.580 Friends, if you're struggling just now, 00:14:19.640 --> 00:14:20.920 remember those two rights. 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:24.360 Right now, right hand. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:25.520 That's where he is. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:28.520 He is interceding for us. 00:14:28.880 --> 00:14:30.380 He is representing us. 00:14:30.760 --> 00:14:32.140 He is praying for us. 00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:33.860 He is holding us. 00:14:34.380 --> 00:14:36.200 And underscoring the gospel 00:14:36.200 --> 00:14:42.480 is the affirmation that Jesus loves us. 00:14:47.280 --> 00:14:48.220 But in the text, 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:50.080 you see how this same Jesus wakes. 00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:53.840 And don't miss the utter absurdity 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:55.200 of what happens next. 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:58.840 Jesus doesn't grab a bucket 00:14:58.840 --> 00:15:02.900 and join in the frantic bailing out of water. 00:15:03.280 --> 00:15:05.180 That's what I would have expected him to do. 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.800 No, Jesus speaks to the sea. 00:15:09.140 --> 00:15:10.200 Now take that in. 00:15:11.180 --> 00:15:12.680 He speaks to the sea. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:14.839 Is that not just plain strange? 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.599 If this fails, 00:15:17.719 --> 00:15:18.859 then it is time for the men 00:15:18.859 --> 00:15:19.839 with the white straitjacket 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:21.259 to come and collect this man. 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:24.000 He speaks to nature. 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:28.219 No hocus pocus, 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:29.359 no rhyme and riddle. 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:31.359 Jesus just utters three words. 00:15:31.599 --> 00:15:33.839 Quiet, be still. 00:15:34.839 --> 00:15:37.519 And the wind died down. 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:41.139 And the sea was completely calm. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.759 See, the relationship 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:46.139 that Jesus has with creation 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:48.340 is the same as the one 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:49.720 that you and I have 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:51.279 with our Alexa. 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:54.039 Isn't it? 00:15:54.299 --> 00:15:56.620 Alexa, play the best of the Beatles. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.799 Alexa, what's the weather like tomorrow? 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:01.039 Alexa, what's the capital of Armenia? 00:16:01.439 --> 00:16:02.899 We speak to Alexa 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:03.980 and Alexa does. 00:16:04.059 --> 00:16:04.980 If you want to go for Siri, 00:16:05.059 --> 00:16:06.460 you can have Siri as well. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:08.220 We speak, it does. 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:11.420 What's going on here 00:16:11.420 --> 00:16:13.500 is Jesus speaks and creation does 00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:15.460 is that creation is really simply 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:18.540 recognizing the voice of its creator. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:23.519 The headline on the Galilee News at 10 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:26.160 is that God's in the boat. 00:16:26.660 --> 00:16:29.940 And taking the bigger Bible story here 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:32.660 in the same way that in Genesis 1 00:16:32.660 --> 00:16:34.940 that God spoke and things happened, 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:37.040 here is Jesus, 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:39.640 the second person of the Godhead, 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:42.980 the one through whom all things were made, 00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:45.840 and he's being true to form. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:50.920 And maybe just another angle on this, 00:16:51.040 --> 00:16:52.580 again, I've just not seen before 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:53.960 until I thought about it this week. 00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:57.600 Maybe the sea in this day 00:16:57.600 --> 00:17:00.320 is more than just the physical sea. 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:02.420 It represents evil. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:07.400 And it's just this little foretaste that we get 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:09.460 that this same Jesus will, 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:10.480 one day, 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:13.460 he will make all things new. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:16.519 One day when he returns, 00:17:17.080 --> 00:17:18.380 he will speak 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:20.299 and evil will be banished. 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:22.940 And he will say, 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:25.240 not be still, 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:27.680 but he will say, 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.279 be gone. 00:17:31.159 --> 00:17:33.379 And so we get the second question 00:17:33.379 --> 00:17:35.240 and it's verse 40 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:37.180 and it comes from him to them. 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:39.940 He says, 00:17:39.940 --> 00:17:42.380 why are you so afraid? 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:46.120 Do you still have no faith? 00:17:46.320 --> 00:17:46.920 In other words, 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.019 your view of me 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.580 is still way too small. 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.920 And so here's the second invitation 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:54.240 that this passage makes to us today 00:17:54.240 --> 00:18:00.519 is don't settle for a small scale Jesus. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:04.379 In our heads and in our hearts, 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:06.180 do we end this year 00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:07.920 with him in our minds 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.900 as just a slightly souped up, 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.299 better version of us? 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:14.220 Is he in our minds 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:16.019 like one of those lucky mascots 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.940 that we used to take into the exam hall 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:18.759 when we were young? 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:20.420 We'd rather have him on our team 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:21.700 than not on our team. 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:25.500 He calls his followers here 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:28.240 to replace faithless fear 00:18:28.240 --> 00:18:30.900 with fearless faith. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.960 And let me be clear 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.359 that this is not about us 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:37.819 upping our spiritual game for Jesus. 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:41.660 As good as many of the things 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:43.859 that we will plan to do this year, 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:45.220 probably we will talk about them 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.940 over the next 24 hours or so. 00:18:47.120 --> 00:18:48.319 Bible in a year plan, 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.539 wonderful idea, 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.660 get involved in that. 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:51.880 Attending more things, 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:52.799 wonderful idea, 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:53.960 get more involved in that. 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:55.519 But this is not about us 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:57.480 upping our spiritual game for Jesus. 00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:00.380 There's a man called Sam Albury. 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.420 I don't know if the quote on the screen, 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.279 apologies for that. 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:03.440 But he always said this 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:04.940 and it's just made such a profound 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:06.740 impact on my life. 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:08.200 He said, 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.039 we need to understand 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:10.299 that Christian maturity 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:12.799 in the Christian life 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:14.099 is not about realizing 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:15.559 that we need Jesus less. 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:17.940 It's about realizing 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.240 that we need Jesus more. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.579 Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:23.579 to pray this year? 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.559 Lord Jesus, 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:27.480 help me see that I need you more. 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:29.259 Have we settled 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.799 in our understanding 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:32.640 of who we think this man is? 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:33.500 Let me just say, 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.420 it's the thing about 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:36.640 the Christians over the years 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:38.400 who've made the biggest impact on me. 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.759 Do you know what it is about them 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.539 that connects them? 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.819 It isn't their sorted lives. 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:48.599 It wasn't their impressive lectures. 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.200 It wasn't and isn't 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.559 their spectacular gifts. 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:52.720 It's the people 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:54.359 who I can look at today 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:57.579 who are a lot older in life than me 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:59.179 and I can tell by the way 00:19:59.179 --> 00:20:00.519 that they walk and they talk 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:02.559 that they've never stopped growing 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:04.579 and they've never stopped 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.919 learning things about Jesus 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:07.039 that blows their minds. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:12.139 As we watch the disciples here 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:14.779 get a glimpse of Jesus' full glory 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:16.579 as they encounter him 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:17.759 in all his majesty, 00:20:18.839 --> 00:20:20.159 let's never settle 00:20:20.159 --> 00:20:22.599 for a small scale Jesus. 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:24.759 And so the third and final question 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:26.059 comes at verse 41 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:27.799 and it's from them to them. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:30.399 They say to each other, 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:30.799 do you see, 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.859 who is this 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:34.279 that even the wind 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.519 and the waves 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:38.599 obey him? 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:40.699 And so here's the third invitation 00:20:40.699 --> 00:20:41.599 really quickly 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:44.259 is not to miss out 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.639 on a life-giving Jesus. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.719 For the question that they ask, 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:50.219 it's not only the big question 00:20:50.219 --> 00:20:50.959 that dominates 00:20:50.959 --> 00:20:52.579 the first half of Mark's gospel. 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:53.439 Let me just say 00:20:53.439 --> 00:20:54.719 it's the biggest question 00:20:54.719 --> 00:20:56.959 that any of us can ask in life 00:20:56.959 --> 00:20:59.179 to do wrestle with, 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.299 to do battle with, 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.379 to get our heads around. 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:03.059 Who is this man? 00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:08.419 Do you see at the start 00:21:08.419 --> 00:21:11.439 how the disciples 00:21:11.439 --> 00:21:13.479 are fearful of what's out there? 00:21:15.439 --> 00:21:17.079 And at the end of this scene 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:19.699 they are fearful of what's 00:21:19.699 --> 00:21:20.979 in the boat. 00:21:21.659 --> 00:21:23.299 It's a lovely little fear contrast, 00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:24.359 a fear swap, isn't it? 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.619 At the beginning of this scene 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:27.279 they are fearful of the storm. 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:28.379 Now at the end 00:21:28.379 --> 00:21:29.859 they are fearful of Jesus. 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.899 And it's not a fear 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:33.819 that causes them 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:35.359 to run away and hide. 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.759 It's a fear 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.199 that compels them 00:21:39.199 --> 00:21:40.339 to come close 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:42.500 and delight. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:45.439 See, to fear God 00:21:45.439 --> 00:21:48.000 is to be magnetically drawn in 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.919 like a paper clip 00:21:49.919 --> 00:21:50.699 to a magnet 00:21:50.699 --> 00:21:53.059 to savor the beauty 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:55.099 of our three-in-one God. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.799 and to find yourself 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.819 in that place 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:59.539 where you can honestly say 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:01.500 that upon no one else 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.480 am I placing 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:04.719 the direction of my eyes 00:22:04.719 --> 00:22:07.079 nor the affections of my heart. 00:22:07.219 --> 00:22:08.639 And the Bible would say 00:22:08.639 --> 00:22:09.799 that that place 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:11.419 is where true wisdom 00:22:11.419 --> 00:22:12.379 is to be found. 00:22:12.879 --> 00:22:14.079 The fear of the Lord. 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:17.199 As we wrap this up, 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:17.419 do you know 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.579 there will be so many times 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.500 this year, friends, 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.460 when you and I 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.519 will realize 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.899 that we are not in control. 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:25.379 Despite all the things 00:22:25.379 --> 00:22:26.720 that the world sells us 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:27.819 and tells us, 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:30.439 we will not be in control. 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:31.799 There will be things 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:32.879 that will happen this year 00:22:32.879 --> 00:22:33.460 that we will say 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:35.299 we just did not see that coming. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:39.460 But we can trust the heart 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:41.119 of the one 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:42.159 who is in control 00:22:42.159 --> 00:22:42.980 of all things. 00:22:43.659 --> 00:22:45.779 The one who is so committed to us. 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:46.819 The one who loves us 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.139 so, so much. 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.639 And let's be like 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:50.579 the disciples here. 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:52.359 Let's allow the fear, 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:54.279 the fear 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:57.680 to gaze our eyes on 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.720 this Jesus. 00:22:59.899 --> 00:23:00.759 You know, just as we close, 00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:01.359 let me tell you 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.419 about one of my best friends. 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:08.320 His name is Hamish. 00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:12.400 Studied with him at university 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.200 all the way through 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:13.900 for many years. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.880 He remains to this day 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:16.519 one of my dearest friends. 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.800 He's one of the kindest 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:19.620 and the most intelligent people 00:23:19.620 --> 00:23:20.460 that I think 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.640 I've ever met in life. 00:23:22.880 --> 00:23:23.680 He was actually 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.600 one of the first people 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:26.000 back in 2019 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:28.660 who I heard of 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.580 that suffered 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.940 and got COVID. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:33.480 And sadly as well, 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.519 he's one of the first people 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.000 that I heard of and knew 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.840 that suffers 00:23:37.840 --> 00:23:39.000 still to this day 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:39.840 with what they call 00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:40.680 long COVID. 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.080 And that, 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.940 plus a few other 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:45.360 health issues in his life, 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:46.340 have meant that the past 00:23:46.340 --> 00:23:47.519 three or so years 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:48.259 of his life 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:50.160 have been so incredibly tough 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.620 for him and his family. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.059 What was initially 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.059 just a period 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.360 of being signed off work, 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.460 it turned into 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:59.480 he's just going to have 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.660 to be off work completely. 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.100 That's where he is 00:24:02.100 --> 00:24:03.000 still to this day. 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.240 But I remember speaking 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.320 to him early on 00:24:05.320 --> 00:24:06.380 in the days of his illness 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.240 and he said, 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.420 do you know what? 00:24:08.580 --> 00:24:09.400 It's just like 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:10.360 that kid's book. 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:12.620 We're going on a bear hunt. 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:14.980 He said, 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:15.720 this kind of stuff, 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:16.120 do you know what? 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:17.519 I can't 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:18.519 go over it. 00:24:19.820 --> 00:24:21.100 I can't go under it. 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.600 I'm just going to have 00:24:23.600 --> 00:24:24.519 to go through it. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:28.859 But I know that this God 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.400 has got me. 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:31.779 And so Hamos, 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:33.639 he set up a WhatsApp group 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:35.680 for updates on his health. 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:36.799 Tons of people 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:37.700 in this WhatsApp group. 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:38.379 It's one of those groups 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:39.559 where you can't respond 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:41.000 because it just tires them 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.220 having the same conversation 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:43.400 with so many different people 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.220 because people genuinely 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:45.720 love him and want to know. 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:46.900 So he sends updates 00:24:46.900 --> 00:24:47.720 on this group. 00:24:48.359 --> 00:24:49.400 But every time I read 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:50.519 this WhatsApp group, 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.920 I'm struck by two things 00:24:51.920 --> 00:24:53.480 that he asks us to pray for. 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:56.180 Two of the same things 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:56.980 every time. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.240 And here's the two things. 00:24:59.340 --> 00:24:59.620 He said, 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.140 would you pray 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.340 that I would be honest 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:02.039 in my weakness? 00:25:04.820 --> 00:25:05.720 And secondly, 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.519 would you pray 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.320 that I'd be aware 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:08.440 of God's faithfulness? 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.560 And I take it 00:25:11.560 --> 00:25:12.120 that somebody 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.860 who's learned 00:25:12.860 --> 00:25:14.480 that in the storms of life, 00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:16.700 the best place to be, 00:25:17.160 --> 00:25:18.539 when you don't understand, 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.680 when it's out of your control, 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.940 the best place to be 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:23.080 is looking at the one 00:25:23.080 --> 00:25:24.340 who's in control 00:25:24.340 --> 00:25:25.500 of the wind and the waves. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.160 You know, 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:28.100 we used to sing this song 00:25:28.100 --> 00:25:29.460 at Boys Brigade 00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:30.620 when I grew up. 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:32.360 It's kind of gone 00:25:32.360 --> 00:25:33.440 out of fashion a little bit, 00:25:33.580 --> 00:25:34.340 but I always love it 00:25:34.340 --> 00:25:35.259 to come back to it 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:38.559 because it's a wonderful challenge 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:41.220 and a wonderful assurance. 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:42.100 It says this, 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:43.120 will your anchor hold 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:44.299 in the storms of life 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.820 when the clouds unfold 00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:47.039 their wings of strife? 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:47.299 Will, 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:49.500 when the strong tides lift 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.779 and the cables strain? 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:52.039 Will your anchor drift 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.019 or firm remain? 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.299 We have an anchor 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:56.599 that keeps the soul 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:59.119 steadfast and sure 00:25:59.119 --> 00:26:00.359 while the billows roll, 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:02.000 fastened to the rock 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:03.319 which cannot move, 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.960 grounded firm and deep 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:08.279 in the Savior's love. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.420 Why don't we pray 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:13.359 as we close our time together? 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:33.659 words of Psalm 121, 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.719 I lift up my eyes 00:26:34.719 --> 00:26:35.479 to the hills. 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:37.639 From where does my help come? 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.679 My help comes from the Lord 00:26:40.679 --> 00:26:42.119 who made heaven and earth. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:45.519 He will not let your foot be moved. 00:26:45.679 --> 00:26:46.919 He who keeps you 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:50.319 will not slumber. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:52.000 Behold, 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:53.239 he who keeps Israel 00:26:53.239 --> 00:26:55.259 will neither slumber 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.779 nor sleep. 00:26:58.199 --> 00:26:58.819 And so, Father, 00:26:58.899 --> 00:27:00.079 we're so thankful today 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.019 that we can trust 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:03.119 our uncertain tomorrows 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:05.000 to you, 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:05.819 the God who knows 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:06.839 the end from the beginning. 00:27:08.079 --> 00:27:08.519 Father, 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.500 thank you that that is not 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.599 a truth that comes to us 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:11.799 this morning cold. 00:27:13.199 --> 00:27:14.619 It's a truth that comes 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.419 to us this morning 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:17.339 wrapped in affection and love. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.619 So, Lord, I pray, 00:27:20.619 --> 00:27:20.839 Father, 00:27:20.939 --> 00:27:21.839 that this morning, 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.839 whatever is going on 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.339 in our lives, 00:27:23.399 --> 00:27:24.480 I pray that your Spirit 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.459 would be at work 00:27:25.459 --> 00:27:26.279 in our hearts. 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.279 Would he be bringing 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.659 that sense of conviction 00:27:29.659 --> 00:27:31.859 that we need to, 00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:34.000 maybe even for the first time today, 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:37.099 respond to who Jesus is? 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:38.740 Father, 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:39.980 would he be bringing 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:41.879 that sense of assurance 00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:42.839 and comfort 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:45.599 that truly our lives 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:48.139 could not be in better hands? 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:49.859 So, Father, 00:27:49.919 --> 00:27:51.319 as a church family today, 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:53.299 we would pray, 00:27:54.139 --> 00:27:54.299 Lord, 00:27:54.339 --> 00:27:56.039 as we step into another year, 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:58.679 looking back on your faithfulness 00:27:58.679 --> 00:27:59.719 this year to us 00:27:59.719 --> 00:28:02.119 and certain of your faithfulness 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:03.699 to us in the generations 00:28:03.699 --> 00:28:04.419 to come, 00:28:05.379 --> 00:28:05.539 Lord, 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.379 that you would help us 00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:07.119 to be a church 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:09.259 that's grounded prayerfully 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:11.220 in a true dependence 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.279 on who you are. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.500 So, Father, 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.139 we thank you 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:14.940 that you love us 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.879 and we pray these things 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.659 confidently 00:28:17.659 --> 00:28:19.519 because we pray them 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.599 in the powerful 00:28:20.599 --> 00:28:22.099 and in the strong name 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:23.139 of Jesus. 00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:24.599 Amen.