WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.900 My name is Matthew Capone, and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church, 00:00:05.900 --> 00:00:08.540 and it's my joy to bring God's Word to you today. 00:00:09.060 --> 00:00:11.620 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:16.300 We're glad that you're here, and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:16.699 --> 00:00:20.179 but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:20.580 --> 00:00:24.920 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced that there's no one so good, 00:00:25.560 --> 00:00:29.839 they don't need God's grace, and no one so bad that they can't have it. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.719 Which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us in His Word. 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:39.299 We're continuing our series in the Gospel of Mark. 00:00:39.460 --> 00:00:46.340 You'll remember that the Gospels tell the story of Jesus in His life and His death and His resurrection. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:00:51.100 And as we come to this Gospel, there are two questions in particular that it asks us. 00:00:51.100 --> 00:00:55.260 First of all, who is Jesus? And second, how do we respond to Him? 00:00:55.259 --> 00:01:00.439 I've mentioned before, these are not questions that we're imposing on the text from the outside. 00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:04.140 They're actually questions that come out of the text from the inside. 00:01:04.259 --> 00:01:08.280 And we'll see this explicitly for the first time in our passage this week. 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:12.159 It's in verse 41 of Mark chapter 4 that the disciples say, 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:16.479 Who then is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him? 00:01:16.979 --> 00:01:20.579 And this question from the disciples is meant to be our question as well. 00:01:20.579 --> 00:01:26.420 We'll see that question again as we go through the Gospel, especially in Mark chapter 8. 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:33.840 So this is the first time, but not the last time, that we'll understand this is the question this Gospel intends for us to ask. 00:01:34.219 --> 00:01:37.780 We've moved on from the kingdom parables, at least for now. 00:01:37.879 --> 00:01:41.700 And this week we're going to look at one of the most famous stories in the Bible, 00:01:41.700 --> 00:01:48.780 where Jesus calms the storm, and there's this gap that we'll see between what we say that we believe 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:52.780 and what we actually show that we believe. 00:01:53.579 --> 00:01:56.760 In fact, perhaps most likely we're tempted, like the disciples, 00:01:56.760 --> 00:02:02.579 to wonder whether God actually cares when we find ourselves in the midst of a storm. 00:02:03.420 --> 00:02:05.180 And so our big question this morning is this. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:10.000 How does following Jesus change our response to overwhelming situations? 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:16.199 How does following Jesus change our response to overwhelming situations? 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:21.819 How does it change our response when we lose a job or miss a promotion? 00:02:22.659 --> 00:02:29.319 How does it change our response when we find out about a life-threatening illness for ourselves or someone else? 00:02:30.300 --> 00:02:36.219 How does it change our response when we find out that a loved one has been seriously injured? 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:39.699 That's with that question that we turn now to God's Word. 00:02:39.699 --> 00:02:41.299 I invite you to turn with me. 00:02:41.399 --> 00:02:45.019 We're in Mark chapter 4, starting at verse 35. 00:02:45.659 --> 00:02:47.579 You can turn with me in your worship guide. 00:02:48.019 --> 00:02:49.399 You can turn on your phone. 00:02:49.679 --> 00:02:51.179 You can turn in your Bible. 00:02:51.619 --> 00:02:54.259 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's Word. 00:02:54.459 --> 00:02:57.339 And God tells us that His Word is more precious than gold, 00:02:57.899 --> 00:03:00.419 even the finest gold, and it's sweeter than honey, 00:03:00.959 --> 00:03:03.280 even honey that comes straight from the honeycomb. 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:05.879 And so that's why we read now, starting at verse 35. 00:03:05.879 --> 00:03:09.699 On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:12.259 Let us go across to the other side. 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:17.799 And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:20.159 And other boats were with Him. 00:03:20.859 --> 00:03:24.659 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, 00:03:24.900 --> 00:03:26.639 so that the boat was already filling. 00:03:27.219 --> 00:03:30.259 But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:32.819 And they woke Him and said to Him, 00:03:33.379 --> 00:03:36.840 Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? 00:03:37.739 --> 00:03:38.439 Verse 39. 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:42.159 And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:44.000 Peace, be still. 00:03:44.899 --> 00:03:47.680 And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:51.000 He said to them, Why are you so afraid? 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:53.259 Have you still no faith? 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:57.560 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, 00:03:57.560 --> 00:04:03.420 Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:07.800 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's Word. 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:17.819 Our Father in Heaven, You promise us in Isaiah 55 that Your Word will not return to You empty, 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:20.920 but it will accomplish the purpose for which You sent it. 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:24.319 And so we ask You this morning simply that You would honor that promise. 00:04:24.319 --> 00:04:30.060 That as we look at Your Word, it would accomplish purposes in our lives. 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:32.519 That it would encourage us with Your grace. 00:04:33.199 --> 00:04:35.659 It would challenge us for our need for it. 00:04:36.219 --> 00:04:40.639 And most of all, You would show us Jesus in His beauty and His glory. 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:47.480 Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2 that unless the Holy Spirit is with us, 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:48.899 we won't be able to understand. 00:04:48.899 --> 00:04:52.819 And so we ask that You'd give us the Spirit and that we would understand. 00:04:53.399 --> 00:04:57.379 That we would see and know and believe You more and more. 00:04:57.939 --> 00:05:01.479 We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:05:02.099 --> 00:05:02.379 Amen. 00:05:05.500 --> 00:05:09.539 As we start this story at the very beginning on verse 35, 00:05:09.739 --> 00:05:11.959 it tells us that this happened on that day, 00:05:12.039 --> 00:05:15.419 which pulls us back to the very beginning of chapter 4 00:05:15.420 --> 00:05:18.140 when Jesus began teaching by the sea. 00:05:18.199 --> 00:05:19.860 If you remember from verse 1, it says, 00:05:20.220 --> 00:05:22.660 again, He began to teach beside the sea. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:25.840 And so what we're realizing here is that what we have covered 00:05:25.840 --> 00:05:28.759 as a congregation over the last four weeks, 00:05:29.140 --> 00:05:31.980 Jesus teaching about the kingdom of God in Mark chapter 4 00:05:31.980 --> 00:05:35.060 is something that He actually did in one teaching session. 00:05:35.720 --> 00:05:38.860 Even more than that, we're told in Mark chapter 4 verse 2 00:05:38.860 --> 00:05:40.680 that He was teaching the many things. 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:46.100 So we've spent four weeks covering part of what Jesus taught in one day. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:49.680 We're getting a sample of what He gave to this people. 00:05:50.759 --> 00:05:54.460 So we come now then on the same day that that's all happened. 00:05:54.560 --> 00:05:56.579 We're at the end of the day, we're told. 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:58.100 It says in verse 35, 00:05:58.199 --> 00:05:59.639 when evening had come. 00:05:59.960 --> 00:06:02.220 And this is going to help us understand 00:06:02.220 --> 00:06:05.939 why Jesus probably falls asleep quickly in this story. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.180 He's ended a very long day. 00:06:08.180 --> 00:06:09.780 Anyway, verse 36, 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:13.280 they took Him with them in the boat just as He was. 00:06:13.900 --> 00:06:16.400 And so they're probably just scooping Him right off the shore. 00:06:16.540 --> 00:06:18.840 If you remember at the beginning of the chapter, 00:06:19.199 --> 00:06:21.160 Jesus had gone out onto this boat, 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:23.439 which had served as His natural sound system 00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:25.500 so He could speak across the water 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:27.579 that amplified His voice to the people 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:29.819 who were sitting up on the hill by the sea. 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:31.819 But we're told later in verse 10 00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:34.060 that Jesus went out to answer some questions. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:37.160 So either they're scooping Jesus up right off the shore 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:38.139 and putting Him in the boat, 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:39.920 or He had returned into the boat. 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:43.300 Either way, Jesus does not go off to do anything else. 00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:45.780 He immediately leaves this teaching task 00:06:45.780 --> 00:06:48.319 and He heads out with His disciples. 00:06:49.340 --> 00:06:52.980 Now, that's all background to what we're coming up against. 00:06:53.100 --> 00:06:54.480 Everything's fine at this point 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:57.220 until we hit verses 37 and 38 00:06:57.220 --> 00:07:01.199 where we see the real problem that's at work here. 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:04.340 Verse 36, everything is great. 00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:05.620 They're traveling out. 00:07:05.899 --> 00:07:07.079 There are other boats with them. 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:09.339 Verse 37, things get hairy. 00:07:09.459 --> 00:07:10.959 A great windstorm arose 00:07:10.959 --> 00:07:13.359 and the waves were breaking into the boat 00:07:13.359 --> 00:07:16.399 so that the boat was already filling up. 00:07:17.099 --> 00:07:18.139 Now, storm comes. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:20.419 We know storms are actually incredibly common 00:07:20.419 --> 00:07:22.099 on the Sea of Galilee. 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:23.699 There's some science around this. 00:07:24.079 --> 00:07:26.379 The sea is at a low elevation. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:28.699 It's below sea level. 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:31.360 It has hills right around it that are higher. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:33.980 And so there's this interaction that happens 00:07:33.980 --> 00:07:35.860 between hot air and cold air 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:38.580 that causes wind to stir up on the sea. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:41.520 In other words, this is not an uncommon occurrence. 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:42.780 These are fishermen. 00:07:42.980 --> 00:07:45.160 You'll remember from earlier in the gospel. 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:47.300 They're familiar with this sea. 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:48.800 This is their home court. 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:51.199 This is nothing new for them. 00:07:51.680 --> 00:07:54.100 So on the one hand, these storms are common. 00:07:54.100 --> 00:07:59.680 On the other hand, this particular storm is not. 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:01.480 We see that very quickly. 00:08:01.620 --> 00:08:03.120 This one is actually dangerous. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:04.280 It's threatening. 00:08:04.840 --> 00:08:05.660 It's frightening. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:09.060 Verse 37, the waves were breaking into the boat 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:10.660 so that the boat was already filling. 00:08:11.340 --> 00:08:13.500 It's going to be a short amount of time 00:08:13.500 --> 00:08:15.320 before there's so much water in this boat 00:08:15.320 --> 00:08:16.200 that it sinks. 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:19.520 Verse 38, in case we have any doubt, 00:08:19.900 --> 00:08:20.820 the disciples say, 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:23.719 do you not care that we are perishing? 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:28.699 They know that death could be imminent. 00:08:29.240 --> 00:08:31.219 And these are coming from fishermen, 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:33.819 and they're very experienced. 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:35.899 They're not easily scared. 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:38.200 They're here on their home turf. 00:08:38.299 --> 00:08:39.379 And so what we know is this. 00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:41.659 They have assessed the situation correctly. 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:44.819 If someone who grew up in the desert 00:08:44.819 --> 00:08:47.439 tells you it's hot, you know it's hot. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:50.600 If someone who grew up in the Arctic Circle 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:53.040 tells you it's cold, you know it's cold. 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:55.700 If someone who's a seasoned fisherman 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:57.779 tells you on their home turf sea 00:08:57.779 --> 00:08:58.920 that you're about to die, 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:01.480 you're probably about to die. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:05.019 Okay, so this is an uncommon storm 00:09:05.019 --> 00:09:07.159 that is incredibly serious. 00:09:08.060 --> 00:09:10.139 This storm is about to kill them. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:13.220 Now, it's not just the threat of the storm 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:14.300 that has them stirred up. 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:17.200 It's also a frustration with Jesus in action. 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:19.300 There's this incredible disconnect 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:21.799 between their present circumstances, 00:09:21.919 --> 00:09:23.179 their immediate circumstances, 00:09:23.179 --> 00:09:24.839 and Jesus' response. 00:09:25.240 --> 00:09:28.139 On the one hand, death is an option for them. 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:31.299 And it could be an option very quickly. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:35.339 On the other hand, Jesus is asleep. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:38.459 Now, I'll tell you, 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:41.359 it makes total sense that Jesus is sleeping. 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:43.059 He's had a long day. 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:45.500 There are few things better 00:09:45.500 --> 00:09:47.000 after preaching and teaching 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:49.659 to take a good and righteous nap. 00:09:50.099 --> 00:09:52.059 And so I feel Jesus on this one. 00:09:53.199 --> 00:09:55.079 When I grew up as a 90s kid, 00:09:55.339 --> 00:09:57.359 and if you were in Christian culture in the 90s, 00:09:57.399 --> 00:09:59.019 you remember people had those bracelets 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:01.119 that said WWJD on them. 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:02.059 What would Jesus do? 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:03.559 I had one of those. 00:10:03.659 --> 00:10:04.679 I think mine was orange, 00:10:04.839 --> 00:10:06.079 if I remember correctly. 00:10:06.819 --> 00:10:09.099 What would Jesus do after preaching? 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:11.639 This passage clearly tells us 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:13.560 he would take a nap. 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:16.840 And so I may even follow 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:18.720 the example of our Lord later today. 00:10:19.700 --> 00:10:20.800 Makes sense, right? 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.960 Jesus is tired from a full day. 00:10:23.060 --> 00:10:23.620 He's asleep. 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:25.960 We actually find out, verse 35, 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:27.420 this is not just a nap. 00:10:27.560 --> 00:10:28.420 Evening had come, 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:31.399 and so Jesus is going to bed early. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:34.519 There's a few things that we learned 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:35.620 from Jesus sleeping here. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:37.000 We'll talk about that in a minute. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:39.100 Right now, I want you to see the fear 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:40.600 and the frustration that the disciples 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:42.480 feel in this situation. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.299 In fact, we see it in their question, 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:45.059 verse 38. 00:10:45.559 --> 00:10:49.299 Do you not care that we are perishing? 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:54.299 We'll come back to that question in a minute, 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:57.039 but our first question here is, 00:10:57.220 --> 00:10:58.120 who is Jesus? 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:00.419 So I want us to keep moving to verse 39. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:02.259 Jesus is sleeping. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:04.620 Verse 38, they wake him up. 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:06.779 Verse 39, he revises, 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:09.200 he rebukes the wind and says to the sea, 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:11.000 peace, be still. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:14.679 Jesus gets up and he calms the storm 00:11:14.679 --> 00:11:16.860 using the very same words 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:18.679 that he used earlier in the gospel 00:11:18.679 --> 00:11:20.139 to rebuke demons. 00:11:21.279 --> 00:11:24.600 He is not casting something out at this point, 00:11:24.659 --> 00:11:24.799 though. 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:26.940 He's commanding nature, 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:30.000 and it obeys. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:33.840 Jesus commands nature with his words. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:35.100 It does what he says. 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:37.460 Who is Jesus? 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:39.220 We have a partial answer here. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.759 He is the one who controls 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:43.940 and commands nature itself 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:45.340 with only his words. 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:49.460 That doesn't fully, fully answer our question, 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:51.220 though, because the disciples know that, 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:52.980 and that's why they ask the question 00:11:52.980 --> 00:11:53.779 in verse 41. 00:11:54.299 --> 00:11:55.799 Who is this that even the wind 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:57.559 and the sea obey him? 00:11:57.559 --> 00:11:59.859 And so we have to keep digging deeper 00:11:59.859 --> 00:12:02.759 to figure out who is Jesus in this situation. 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:05.079 If you've already looked at your worship guide 00:12:05.079 --> 00:12:06.179 and you've read our explanation 00:12:06.179 --> 00:12:07.459 for the Old Testament reading, 00:12:07.599 --> 00:12:10.339 you know there's only one biblical character 00:12:10.339 --> 00:12:12.639 who's able to regularly control creation 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:13.459 with his words. 00:12:14.119 --> 00:12:15.959 It is God himself. 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:18.839 In fact, God not only controls creation 00:12:18.839 --> 00:12:20.599 with his words, he also creates it. 00:12:20.679 --> 00:12:22.519 Go back all the way to the very beginning 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:24.559 of the Bible in Genesis chapter one. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:26.799 We know that it's God who made the world 00:12:26.799 --> 00:12:29.239 out of nothing just by speaking. 00:12:30.359 --> 00:12:32.359 We saw in our Old Testament reading 00:12:32.359 --> 00:12:34.279 from Psalm 107 that God is the one 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:36.439 who calms the seas and the storms. 00:12:36.719 --> 00:12:38.379 In fact, we saw that in verse 29. 00:12:38.579 --> 00:12:39.099 It says this, 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:40.839 he made the storm be still 00:12:40.839 --> 00:12:43.219 and the waves of the sea were hushed. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:45.459 There are other places in the Old Testament 00:12:45.459 --> 00:12:46.779 that tell us this as well, 00:12:46.859 --> 00:12:48.059 especially the book of Job, 00:12:48.199 --> 00:12:50.079 that it is God who has power 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:52.459 and authority and control over nature. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:55.259 It is God and only God 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:57.120 who creates things with a word. 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:59.620 It is God and only God 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:01.660 who controls things with a word. 00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:04.560 Who is Jesus? 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:08.800 Jesus is not simply a good teacher. 00:13:09.400 --> 00:13:12.340 Jesus is not merely a good example. 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:15.100 Jesus is the man who has the power 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:17.960 that belongs to God and God alone. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:21.920 Jesus is God. 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:25.420 That's why John chapter one, 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:27.540 as it begins telling us the story of Jesus, 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:30.120 tells us that in the beginning was the word 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:31.420 and the word was with God 00:13:31.420 --> 00:13:33.780 and the world was made through him. 00:13:34.180 --> 00:13:36.080 Jesus was with God at the very beginning 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:37.280 in Genesis chapter one. 00:13:37.420 --> 00:13:39.680 He was part of creating the world 00:13:39.680 --> 00:13:41.060 with just a word. 00:13:41.160 --> 00:13:42.560 In fact, even more than that, 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:44.300 Jesus was the word. 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:47.940 This is why we're told in Hebrews chapter one, 00:13:47.940 --> 00:13:48.600 verse three, 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:50.300 that the world is upheld 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:52.299 by the word of Jesus power. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:53.879 In other words, 00:13:53.939 --> 00:13:55.939 the reason that you're sitting here today 00:13:55.939 --> 00:13:57.500 and the world is holding together 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:58.679 and not falling apart 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:00.539 is because Jesus right now 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:03.059 is sustaining it with his word. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:08.240 I had a conversation with someone earlier this week 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:09.699 who is not a Christian 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:11.480 and she told me, 00:14:12.160 --> 00:14:13.500 I actually have more of a, 00:14:13.560 --> 00:14:14.840 I have a science background 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:17.180 and I have a science perspective on the world. 00:14:18.060 --> 00:14:20.180 And so that's part of why I'm not religious. 00:14:20.540 --> 00:14:23.720 And so I've been thinking about that all week. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:25.700 And I'll say this, 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:30.480 it's because Jesus upholds the world 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:31.420 with his word 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:33.259 that we can believe in science. 00:14:35.040 --> 00:14:37.660 That is the reason that the world is predictable. 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.960 That is the reason we can have faith 00:14:39.960 --> 00:14:41.600 in the scientific method. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:43.500 That is why we can expect things 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:45.980 to operate in the same way over and over. 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:47.480 We live, in other words, 00:14:47.540 --> 00:14:49.740 in this orderly predictable world 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:51.759 because it was created and held together 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.640 by an orderly predictable God. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:57.000 If we served a God who is chaotic and unstable, 00:14:57.179 --> 00:14:58.460 the world in which we live 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:00.519 would be chaotic and unstable as well. 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:03.639 It was David Hume in the 18th century 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:05.059 who raised this problem, 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:06.699 which is that we cannot believe 00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:08.519 that the sun will rise tomorrow 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:10.480 simply because it rose yesterday. 00:15:11.199 --> 00:15:13.460 The fact that something happened in the past 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:15.740 is not reason to know and believe 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:16.860 it will happen in the future. 00:15:17.059 --> 00:15:19.460 That is in fact a leap of faith. 00:15:20.799 --> 00:15:22.100 In other words, 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:24.259 the scientific method relies 00:15:24.259 --> 00:15:26.759 on something that cannot be proven, 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:29.060 which is that this world 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:31.000 is something that's predictable. 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:33.259 This world is something that's stable. 00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:35.159 This world is something that operates 00:15:35.159 --> 00:15:37.740 by laws that we can understand and see. 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:39.220 This is a way of saying 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:42.300 that because Jesus is in control of the world, 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:45.159 because he created it by his word, 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:48.160 that is the reason we can explore 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:50.379 and understand it with science. 00:15:52.199 --> 00:15:53.860 In fact, it's miracles, 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:55.899 counterintuitively, 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:59.019 that should give us greater trust in science. 00:15:59.079 --> 00:15:59.799 And this is why. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:04.500 Miracles confirm that God is in control of the world. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:08.879 Miracles confirm that God is in control of the world. 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:11.600 If God is in control of the world, 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:13.680 then we can have confidence 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:16.159 that the world is predictable, 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.080 that the world is organized, 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:21.100 that the world operates by laws that don't change. 00:16:22.180 --> 00:16:24.480 It is Jesus' power. 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:27.480 It's what we see in Hebrews 1, verse 3, 00:16:27.540 --> 00:16:30.000 that he upholds the world with the word of his power 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:32.100 that allows us, 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:35.180 that provides the foundation for us 00:16:35.180 --> 00:16:39.759 to understand and explore this world with science. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:46.659 Jesus is the one who controls and creates the world. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:52.759 Jesus is the one who holds this universe together. 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:58.580 That's only part of our answer, though. 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:02.120 Yes, Jesus is God. 00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:05.440 Jesus is the one who creates and controls the world 00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:07.039 even more than that. 00:17:07.299 --> 00:17:08.640 That is not enough. 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:11.420 Jesus is also benevolent. 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:14.160 Jesus is not just powerful. 00:17:14.420 --> 00:17:16.820 He uses his power to save. 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:19.080 Yes, Jesus commands nature, 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:21.740 and he commands it for our protection, 00:17:22.320 --> 00:17:22.640 our salvation. 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:24.900 Verse 38, 00:17:25.060 --> 00:17:28.040 Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? 00:17:29.040 --> 00:17:29.620 Yes. 00:17:30.120 --> 00:17:31.140 Yes, he does. 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:35.200 In fact, there's incredible irony in their question 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:38.900 because they are saying much more than they realize. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:43.380 Jesus cares so much that they are perishing 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:45.160 that he's come to die for them. 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:50.539 More than they can understand in that moment. 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:54.080 They have a bigger problem than a storm on a sea, 00:17:54.080 --> 00:17:57.500 and God still meets them in that smaller problem. 00:17:57.500 --> 00:18:03.880 God came to earth as a man because they were perishing. 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:10.180 God came to earth as a man because we are perishing. 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:14.820 And so God uses his power. 00:18:15.140 --> 00:18:18.259 Jesus uses his power to save. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:24.220 He has come to deliver them from far much more than a storm. 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:29.079 It's like we're told in Luke chapter 19, 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:34.900 for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.339 Who is Jesus? 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:42.440 Jesus is the one who controls nature with a word. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:46.059 Jesus is, in fact, God. 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:49.039 And he's not only God, 00:18:49.120 --> 00:18:51.720 he's a God who cares for the perishing. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:58.579 Do you not care that we are perishing? 00:18:59.220 --> 00:18:59.680 Yes. 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.460 Yes, he does. 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:04.360 That's the God that we serve. 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:09.620 That raises our next question here, 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:12.920 which is, if that is Jesus, how do we respond to him? 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:16.420 I've told you before that when we read the Bible, 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:18.579 often we're presented with characters 00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:20.480 who serve as examples for us, 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:22.240 sometimes positive examples, 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:24.519 sometimes negative examples. 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:28.400 In this passage, we see that same dynamic play out again. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.960 The disciples here are negative example. 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:33.160 Verse 38 again, they ask this question, 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:35.799 do you not care that we are perishing? 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:38.660 In other words, they allow the difficulty 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:40.660 that they're facing to lead to doubt. 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:45.740 The disciples allow difficulty to lead to doubt. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:47.240 And Jesus says this explicitly, 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:48.240 verse 40, 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:50.559 why are you still afraid? 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:54.880 Have you still no faith? 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:59.680 Jesus is telling them that fear is the opposite of faith. 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:02.700 The circumstances that they are in 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:06.000 have revealed their small and shaky faith. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:09.980 When storms arise, 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:18.000 our temptation is to doubt God's care and concern and his love. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.720 When storms arise, 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:25.140 our temptation is to doubt God's care and his concern and his love. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:29.560 That's the trap the disciples fall into here. 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:31.820 That's what Jesus rebukes them for. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:35.420 It's not a coincidence that this happens immediately 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:37.759 after Jesus teaching about the kingdom. 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:40.920 Even after hearing everything he's taught them 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:42.020 throughout Mark chapter four, 00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:43.000 they are confused. 00:20:43.320 --> 00:20:45.820 They have not internalized what it is they're supposed to learn. 00:20:46.080 --> 00:20:48.880 They are coming off this teaching about the kingdom, 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:51.940 still unable to apply it to their lives. 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:57.799 And so one of the questions of this passage for us 00:20:57.799 --> 00:21:00.340 is how do we respond in difficulty? 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:03.820 What does that reveal about us? 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:06.580 When we're out of control, 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:10.519 when we're powerless in this world, 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:15.019 we're like the disciples when we're at the mercy of nature. 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:19.360 How powerful do we believe God actually is? 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:24.059 How much do we think that God actually cares? 00:21:25.719 --> 00:21:31.159 Do we really believe that God has not forgotten us? 00:21:33.219 --> 00:21:35.859 The disciples here fail this test. 00:21:37.179 --> 00:21:39.299 Often we do as well. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.099 Thankfully though, 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:46.679 the disciples are not purely a negative example. 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:48.560 They actually provide a couple things 00:21:48.560 --> 00:21:51.920 that they do correctly in this passage. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.200 First of all, 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:55.240 they get the most important thing right 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.420 that we've talked about before. 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:59.320 The disciples are with Jesus. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.019 One man puts it this way, 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:04.759 the disciples are in the right boat. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:08.320 And so another question is this, 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.900 when the storm comes, 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:13.480 which boat are you in? 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:17.079 When the storm comes, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.839 which boat are you in? 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:20.039 Are you in Jesus' boat? 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.599 Or are you in your own boat? 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:27.360 The disciples get something incredibly important right. 00:22:27.860 --> 00:22:30.700 They have decided to get into the right boat. 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.759 They get something else right though. 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:35.620 It's not just their location. 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:39.459 They cry out to Jesus in their doubt. 00:22:41.419 --> 00:22:42.719 They're with Jesus. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.979 They turn towards Jesus. 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:47.479 As fearful as they are, 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:50.279 as much as Jesus rebukes them here in this situation, 00:22:50.739 --> 00:22:53.659 they do not rely on themselves and their resources. 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:58.659 They rely on Jesus who is with them. 00:22:58.660 --> 00:23:01.080 And Jesus in his grace, 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:02.180 he does rebuke them. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:04.220 He doesn't send them away. 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.500 Jesus cares for them. 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:09.040 Jesus saves them. 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:12.220 And so the disciples here, 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:13.540 they're mostly a negative, 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.980 partially a positive example. 00:23:15.800 --> 00:23:19.080 Jesus here is our 100% positive example. 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:21.720 Indirectly, he is demonstrating the sort of faith 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:23.920 that he wants to see in his disciples. 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:26.580 As Jesus is sleeping, 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:29.680 there's a sense in which he is demonstrating 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:31.519 his faith in God. 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:33.660 In fact, I'm gonna invite you to turn to page five 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.640 in your worship guide. 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:37.400 We have this quote here on the top left. 00:23:37.560 --> 00:23:40.820 Deep, restful sleep embodies trust in God's sovereign hand. 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:42.840 By sleeping during the storm, 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:44.420 Jesus, the son of David, 00:23:44.640 --> 00:23:47.900 demonstrates his perfect and unswerving trust 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:49.100 in his father's protection 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:53.420 in the midst of grave physical and spiritual danger. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:56.680 The Old Testament does not just show us 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:58.900 that God is the one who has control over nature. 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:00.600 The Old Testament also shows us 00:24:00.600 --> 00:24:04.300 that sleep is what happens for those who trust God. 00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:05.620 Psalm chapter three, 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:07.240 I lay down and slept. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:10.420 I awoke again for the Lord sustained me. 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:13.200 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:15.460 who have set themselves against me all around. 00:24:16.340 --> 00:24:17.220 Notice that word there, 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.259 I will not be afraid. 00:24:19.100 --> 00:24:20.420 I lay down and slept. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:22.500 Psalm 116, 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.300 the righteous will never be moved. 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:26.140 He will be remembered forever. 00:24:26.580 --> 00:24:29.700 He is not afraid of bad news. 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:32.759 His heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.300 His heart is steady. 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:36.180 He will not be afraid 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:39.420 until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.620 Psalm 127, 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:43.939 It is in vain that you rise up early 00:24:43.939 --> 00:24:45.059 and go late to rest, 00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:46.899 eating the bread of anxious toil, 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:50.459 for he gives to his beloved sleep. 00:24:51.979 --> 00:24:54.939 Jesus has so much trust in God 00:24:54.939 --> 00:24:58.379 that he is able to rest in the midst of the storm. 00:24:58.839 --> 00:25:00.719 Jesus is modeling for his disciples 00:25:00.719 --> 00:25:02.899 and for us what it looks like 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:05.819 to have trust and faith and confidence in God. 00:25:05.819 --> 00:25:08.700 Unshakeable faith in God means 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:10.419 that no matter what happens, 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:12.339 we are able to rest. 00:25:12.679 --> 00:25:14.619 Unshakeable faith in God means 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:16.480 that no matter what happens, 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:19.659 we understand that God is still in control. 00:25:20.099 --> 00:25:21.299 No matter what happens, 00:25:21.439 --> 00:25:23.639 unshakable trust and confidence in God 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:27.519 means that we know God still cares. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:30.559 And so we can sleep. 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:33.119 And so we can rest. 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:37.299 And so we have calm in the midst of chaos. 00:25:40.139 --> 00:25:42.420 I'm gonna ask you to turn also to page three 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:44.379 in your worship guide. 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.599 You thought that was a quote about prayer, 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.740 but it's about more than that. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.900 The second sentence says, 00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:52.539 learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life. 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:55.119 It offers us a less busy heart. 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:58.279 In the midst of outer busyness, 00:25:58.359 --> 00:26:00.919 we can develop an inner quiet. 00:26:01.199 --> 00:26:02.500 And I'm gonna change that quote. 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:05.259 In the midst of chaos and threatening 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:07.539 and life-altering situations, 00:26:07.959 --> 00:26:10.039 we can develop an inner quiet. 00:26:11.199 --> 00:26:12.099 It's a way of saying, 00:26:12.339 --> 00:26:14.899 while our circumstances may not change, 00:26:15.119 --> 00:26:17.500 our faith and trust and hope in God 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.859 means that our response 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:20.939 and the posture of our heart does. 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:25.380 We may not escape challenging and terrifying 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.920 and life-threatening situations. 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:30.779 And we know that we can have a quiet heart. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.880 We can be like Jesus, 00:26:33.120 --> 00:26:36.320 able at times to sleep in the storm. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:42.640 The million dollar question of this passage though 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:46.019 is what happens when Jesus doesn't calm the storm? 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:48.940 Being a Christian, 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:51.379 following Jesus does not mean 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:54.460 that God is going to calm every storm in your life. 00:26:55.559 --> 00:26:58.359 In fact, it's because they're following Jesus 00:26:58.359 --> 00:27:00.700 in this passage that they find themselves in a storm. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:03.859 Jesus is the one who had the great idea 00:27:03.859 --> 00:27:05.839 of getting in the boat and going to the other side. 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:08.480 So following Jesus is not necessarily 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:10.099 going to keep you away from storms. 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:13.680 In fact, sometimes it might take you straight into new storms. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:17.680 It doesn't take away the storm. 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:20.940 It changes our response to the storm. 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:24.900 Faith in God following Jesus 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:28.100 does not always change our circumstances. 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:30.019 Sometimes it makes them worse. 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:34.100 It does change our perspective. 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:37.460 It does change our hope. 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:40.740 It does change where we set our eyes. 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:44.920 Faith in God does not always change our circumstances. 00:27:45.120 --> 00:27:46.920 Sometimes, in fact, it makes it worse. 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:49.480 It does change our perspective. 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:51.420 It does change our hope. 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:55.339 It does change where we place our lives. 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:58.940 We know that God loves us 00:27:58.940 --> 00:28:02.480 and he will not let us perish. 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:06.000 Faith does not mean believing 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:08.859 that God will make everything okay now. 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:10.559 Faith does mean believing 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:12.899 that God will make everything okay fully 00:28:12.899 --> 00:28:14.240 and finally one day. 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:15.759 Faith does mean believing 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:17.139 that no matter what happens, 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:19.819 we cannot lose what is most important. 00:28:21.479 --> 00:28:23.159 Even if we die, 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:25.879 when we die, 00:28:26.919 --> 00:28:28.199 we will not die. 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:31.140 even if we die. 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:32.259 When we die, 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.420 we won't die. 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:36.200 We'll die physically. 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:39.319 We will not die spiritually. 00:28:40.819 --> 00:28:41.840 In fact, 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.200 believe it or not, 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:45.200 all of the disciples 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:46.380 who were in this boat 00:28:46.380 --> 00:28:47.000 died. 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:50.440 They just didn't die that day. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.200 Right? 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:53.840 They died eventually. 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:56.159 Jesus did not, 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:56.740 in other words, 00:28:56.839 --> 00:28:58.199 solve their ultimate problem. 00:28:59.359 --> 00:29:01.519 Jesus postponed death for them. 00:29:01.879 --> 00:29:04.199 He did not prevent death for them. 00:29:05.439 --> 00:29:06.439 Jesus doesn't say, 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:07.439 peace be still 00:29:07.439 --> 00:29:08.619 in every circumstance. 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:10.799 At risk of stating the obvious, 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:12.659 sometimes Christians die in storms. 00:29:14.119 --> 00:29:15.899 Sometimes cancer kills someone. 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:18.120 And, 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.340 but, 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:21.600 Jesus does say, 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.980 peace be still, 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:24.720 fully and finally. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:27.420 Jesus does say, 00:29:27.620 --> 00:29:28.480 peace be still, 00:29:28.540 --> 00:29:29.500 in such a way 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:31.480 that what is most important, 00:29:31.600 --> 00:29:32.820 what is most valuable, 00:29:33.300 --> 00:29:35.280 which is our relationship with him, 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:37.380 cannot be lost. 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:40.019 Our life with him 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:41.640 cannot be erased. 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:45.160 Jesus could have refused 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:46.500 to calm the storm 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.440 in this story, 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:49.320 and his words 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:50.240 would still be true. 00:29:53.300 --> 00:29:55.120 Because he has already 00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:56.880 calmed the most important storm, 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:58.440 the most threatening storm. 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.200 Jesus said, 00:30:00.380 --> 00:30:01.380 peace be still, 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:03.759 where it matters most. 00:30:05.300 --> 00:30:06.300 And so our hope 00:30:06.300 --> 00:30:07.500 is that no matter 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:08.880 what storm comes, 00:30:08.880 --> 00:30:10.240 we know God 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:11.640 is more powerful. 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:15.079 Even more than that, 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:15.920 verse 38, 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:18.420 we know he cares. 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:21.779 And so we can trust 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:24.000 even when he doesn't 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:24.799 calm the storm. 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:28.400 When I call your attention 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:29.359 to one more quote, 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.359 today's quote Sunday, 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.180 page five, 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.400 the bottom left, 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:37.680 this quote from Frederick Buechner 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:39.120 captures what we're talking about. 00:30:39.119 --> 00:30:40.839 Here is the world. 00:30:41.959 --> 00:30:43.779 Beautiful and terrible things 00:30:43.779 --> 00:30:44.279 will happen. 00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:46.579 Don't be afraid. 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.319 I am with you. 00:30:49.419 --> 00:30:50.919 Nothing can ever 00:30:50.919 --> 00:30:52.259 separate us. 00:30:53.699 --> 00:30:55.000 Why are we not afraid? 00:30:56.619 --> 00:30:58.559 Not because terrible things 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.199 won't happen. 00:30:59.899 --> 00:31:00.659 They will. 00:31:02.339 --> 00:31:04.059 We are not afraid 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:05.359 because of what Buechner 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:06.039 says here. 00:31:06.459 --> 00:31:08.799 Nothing can separate us. 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:11.359 Buechner's not putting words 00:31:11.359 --> 00:31:12.059 in God's mouth, 00:31:12.119 --> 00:31:12.419 by the way. 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:13.440 He's paraphrasing 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:14.680 the promises of Scripture, 00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:15.659 especially those 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:17.119 from Romans chapter 8. 00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:18.659 And so remember, 00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:19.859 our question at the very beginning 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:20.799 of the sermon was, 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:21.899 how does our faith 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.659 and trust in God, 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.859 how does following Jesus 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:25.460 change our response 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.079 in challenging 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:27.500 and life-threatening circumstances? 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:29.240 This is the answer. 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:30.519 If you find out 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.659 that you have cancer, 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.180 remember, 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:33.419 do not be afraid. 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:35.240 I am with you. 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.919 Nothing can ever 00:31:36.919 --> 00:31:37.899 separate us. 00:31:37.900 --> 00:31:40.620 When you finally realize 00:31:40.620 --> 00:31:41.800 that faith looks like 00:31:41.800 --> 00:31:42.860 admitting you may need 00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:43.580 to take medicine 00:31:43.580 --> 00:31:44.600 for your mental health, 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:45.680 but you don't want 00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:47.280 to admit that you need help, 00:31:48.360 --> 00:31:49.940 don't be afraid. 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:51.340 I am with you. 00:31:51.980 --> 00:31:53.100 Nothing can ever 00:31:53.100 --> 00:31:54.140 separate us. 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:56.160 When you find out 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.800 that your child 00:31:56.800 --> 00:31:57.759 was in a car accident, 00:31:58.340 --> 00:31:59.700 don't be afraid. 00:32:00.340 --> 00:32:01.519 I am with you. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.780 Nothing can ever 00:32:03.780 --> 00:32:04.940 separate us. 00:32:04.940 --> 00:32:06.799 When you lose your job, 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.160 don't be afraid. 00:32:09.820 --> 00:32:10.640 I am with you. 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:12.740 Nothing can ever 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:13.920 separate us. 00:32:15.140 --> 00:32:15.960 Here is the world. 00:32:16.840 --> 00:32:18.259 Beautiful and terrible 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:19.519 things will happen. 00:32:22.039 --> 00:32:23.440 If you live long enough, 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.320 you will see 00:32:24.320 --> 00:32:25.420 not just a few of them, 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:26.940 but many of them. 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.840 And so we're not here 00:32:29.840 --> 00:32:30.680 to have some sort of 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.720 denial of reality. 00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:32.279 We're not here 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:33.259 to have some easy 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.559 believism that God 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:35.339 is going to remove 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:36.440 every storm in our lives. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:37.039 Simply this, 00:32:37.100 --> 00:32:37.500 that we have an 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:39.360 unshakable trust in God, 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:41.160 that we have quiet hearts 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:41.940 in the midst 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:42.720 of a tumultuous 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:44.140 and threatening world. 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:47.120 We have unshakable 00:32:47.120 --> 00:32:48.140 hope and faith 00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:49.460 and trust in God. 00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:52.640 Our hope ultimately 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.880 is that not that 00:32:53.880 --> 00:32:55.240 Jesus is going to face 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:56.100 the threat of death 00:32:56.100 --> 00:32:57.000 in a storm, 00:32:57.079 --> 00:32:58.059 but that Jesus is going 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.559 to face death itself. 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:01.360 1 Corinthians chapter 15 00:33:01.360 --> 00:33:02.200 reminds us that 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.120 Jesus is the one 00:33:03.120 --> 00:33:04.799 who faces death down 00:33:04.799 --> 00:33:06.700 and puts death to death. 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:07.740 Jesus is the one 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:08.819 who takes not just 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:09.759 this one storm 00:33:09.759 --> 00:33:10.539 on one day, 00:33:10.840 --> 00:33:11.600 he is the one 00:33:11.600 --> 00:33:12.340 who takes on 00:33:12.340 --> 00:33:13.519 an even greater storm. 00:33:13.860 --> 00:33:15.000 Jesus comes to calm 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.100 the storm of God's 00:33:16.100 --> 00:33:16.980 wrath and judgment 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:18.180 coming onto the world 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:19.140 because of our sin 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:19.759 and our rebellion 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:20.460 against him, 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:21.860 that we have refused 00:33:21.860 --> 00:33:22.840 to listen to God, 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:23.540 to obey him, 00:33:23.600 --> 00:33:24.200 to love him, 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:25.140 and to worship him. 00:33:25.340 --> 00:33:27.180 And that is the ultimate storm 00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:28.500 that we need Jesus' help 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.780 and his rescue from. 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.840 And that is the storm 00:33:31.840 --> 00:33:33.259 that in every situation 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:34.300 for those who trust 00:33:34.300 --> 00:33:34.780 and believe 00:33:34.780 --> 00:33:35.660 and follow in him, 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:37.380 Jesus truly does say, 00:33:37.540 --> 00:33:38.900 peace, be still. 00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:40.960 And it's because 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:42.460 Jesus calms that storm 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.259 that no matter 00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:44.020 what happens 00:33:44.020 --> 00:33:44.759 in this world 00:33:44.759 --> 00:33:45.600 and in our lives, 00:33:45.840 --> 00:33:46.780 we know 00:33:46.780 --> 00:33:48.380 that there is nothing 00:33:48.380 --> 00:33:49.780 that can separate us 00:33:49.780 --> 00:33:50.840 from the love of God 00:33:50.840 --> 00:33:51.720 in Christ Jesus. 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.880 That is the reason 00:33:53.880 --> 00:33:54.860 that we can have 00:33:54.860 --> 00:33:56.040 the unshakable faith 00:33:56.040 --> 00:33:56.560 and confidence 00:33:56.560 --> 00:33:57.500 that Jesus models 00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:58.200 in this passage 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:59.200 that no matter 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.900 what happens, 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:00.960 our trust and faith 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:02.100 in God means 00:34:02.100 --> 00:34:03.280 that we can rest. 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:05.200 Our trust and faith 00:34:05.200 --> 00:34:06.240 and confidence in God 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.340 means that we can have 00:34:07.340 --> 00:34:08.280 quiet hearts 00:34:08.280 --> 00:34:09.599 in a chaotic world, 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:10.980 in a threatening world, 00:34:10.980 --> 00:34:11.980 in a world 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:13.300 that is falling apart 00:34:13.300 --> 00:34:14.820 because of sin. 00:34:14.820 --> 00:34:17.960 It's a storm 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:19.840 Jesus always takes away 00:34:19.840 --> 00:34:21.100 for those who trust 00:34:21.100 --> 00:34:22.240 and follow him. 00:34:26.640 --> 00:34:27.980 If you've been with us 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:28.559 for a while, 00:34:28.660 --> 00:34:29.080 you know 00:34:29.080 --> 00:34:30.160 I like to talk 00:34:30.160 --> 00:34:31.080 about hailstorms. 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:33.340 I was, of course, 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.720 overly traumatized 00:34:34.720 --> 00:34:35.640 by the hailstorms 00:34:35.640 --> 00:34:36.320 in 2018. 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:38.380 Then we got another 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:39.680 hailstorm in 2020 00:34:39.680 --> 00:34:41.100 back in August. 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:42.920 2018, 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.240 I was not a homeowner. 00:34:45.660 --> 00:34:46.059 2020, 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.200 I was a homeowner. 00:34:48.140 --> 00:34:48.840 If you remember, 00:34:48.980 --> 00:34:49.640 I think it was sometime 00:34:49.640 --> 00:34:51.180 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. 00:34:51.200 --> 00:34:52.200 It was late in the afternoon. 00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:53.800 I was working from home 00:34:53.800 --> 00:34:54.460 and this hailstorm 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.340 started in August 00:34:55.340 --> 00:34:57.460 and I could see it coming in 00:34:57.460 --> 00:34:58.820 and so I went into my bathroom 00:34:58.820 --> 00:34:59.800 where there's a skylight 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:01.039 and I watched the hail 00:35:01.039 --> 00:35:03.019 hit on my skylight 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:03.700 wondering if it was 00:35:03.700 --> 00:35:04.320 going to hold up. 00:35:05.660 --> 00:35:06.640 In that moment, 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:07.680 as a homeowner, 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:09.539 I knew that my roof 00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.920 was probably toast. 00:35:10.920 --> 00:35:14.019 I knew that it was 00:35:14.019 --> 00:35:14.860 probably going to take 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:16.099 thousands of dollars 00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:16.720 to repair. 00:35:17.240 --> 00:35:18.619 I knew that I had 00:35:18.619 --> 00:35:20.099 a long journey 00:35:20.099 --> 00:35:21.119 ahead of me 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:22.280 to get that roof 00:35:22.280 --> 00:35:22.880 replaced. 00:35:25.280 --> 00:35:26.800 And I had a calm 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:27.639 and quiet heart. 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:28.240 Why? 00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:31.139 Because I knew 00:35:31.139 --> 00:35:32.360 who I was with. 00:35:33.200 --> 00:35:34.200 State Farm. 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:38.079 And what does 00:35:38.079 --> 00:35:39.000 State Farm promise? 00:35:40.039 --> 00:35:41.419 Like a good neighbor, 00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:43.139 State Farm is there. 00:35:44.460 --> 00:35:45.399 Point is this. 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:46.639 My circumstances 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:47.719 did not change 00:35:47.719 --> 00:35:48.500 in any way. 00:35:48.899 --> 00:35:49.879 State Farm was not 00:35:49.879 --> 00:35:50.539 going to come 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.779 and stop that storm 00:35:51.779 --> 00:35:52.439 from hitting me. 00:35:52.739 --> 00:35:54.859 And I have a contract 00:35:54.859 --> 00:35:55.679 and an agreement 00:35:55.679 --> 00:35:56.539 with State Farm. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:58.319 They have made promises 00:35:58.319 --> 00:35:59.699 to me about how 00:35:59.699 --> 00:36:00.399 they're going to show up 00:36:00.399 --> 00:36:01.339 in certain situations. 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:03.079 I know I'm not 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:03.759 going to be the one 00:36:03.760 --> 00:36:04.540 who has to pay 00:36:04.540 --> 00:36:05.780 the debt of that roof. 00:36:06.040 --> 00:36:06.840 And so as I think 00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:08.120 about thousands of dollars 00:36:08.120 --> 00:36:09.300 of repairs ahead of me, 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:10.900 that night I slept. 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:13.480 Brothers and sisters, 00:36:13.480 --> 00:36:14.600 we have something 00:36:14.600 --> 00:36:16.060 so much greater 00:36:16.060 --> 00:36:17.340 and more powerful 00:36:17.340 --> 00:36:18.520 than State Farm 00:36:18.520 --> 00:36:19.280 on our side. 00:36:19.400 --> 00:36:20.800 As we find ourselves 00:36:20.800 --> 00:36:21.440 in the storms 00:36:21.440 --> 00:36:22.120 and circumstances 00:36:22.120 --> 00:36:22.780 of life, 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:24.640 we know no matter 00:36:24.640 --> 00:36:25.280 what 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:26.780 that God 00:36:26.780 --> 00:36:28.300 is with us. 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:29.460 We know 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:30.660 no matter what 00:36:30.660 --> 00:36:31.980 that He is the one 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:33.000 who will protect us 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.039 and keep us 00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:35.179 from all evil. 00:36:35.400 --> 00:36:36.179 We know 00:36:36.179 --> 00:36:37.059 He is the one 00:36:37.059 --> 00:36:37.820 who guarantees 00:36:37.820 --> 00:36:39.500 that what is most valuable 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.340 and precious 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:42.240 we cannot lose. 00:36:44.139 --> 00:36:45.840 Who is Jesus? 00:36:46.320 --> 00:36:47.360 Jesus is the one 00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:48.300 who controls 00:36:48.300 --> 00:36:49.619 nature with a word. 00:36:50.019 --> 00:36:51.000 Jesus is the one 00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:52.199 who is God Himself. 00:36:52.740 --> 00:36:53.699 He is the one 00:36:53.699 --> 00:36:54.260 who comes 00:36:54.260 --> 00:36:55.420 not just with power 00:36:55.420 --> 00:36:56.119 but with care. 00:36:56.480 --> 00:36:58.059 He loves us. 00:36:59.260 --> 00:37:00.760 How do we respond to Him? 00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:02.460 We have unshakable 00:37:02.460 --> 00:37:03.260 faith 00:37:03.260 --> 00:37:04.340 and trust 00:37:04.340 --> 00:37:05.380 and confidence 00:37:05.380 --> 00:37:06.520 in Him. 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.960 Romans chapter 8 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:09.660 says this, 00:37:10.180 --> 00:37:10.900 For I am sure 00:37:10.900 --> 00:37:11.840 that neither death 00:37:11.840 --> 00:37:12.460 nor life 00:37:12.460 --> 00:37:13.140 nor angels 00:37:13.140 --> 00:37:13.940 nor rulers 00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:15.180 nor things present 00:37:15.180 --> 00:37:16.240 nor things to come 00:37:16.240 --> 00:37:17.180 nor powers 00:37:17.180 --> 00:37:17.720 nor height 00:37:17.720 --> 00:37:18.340 nor depth 00:37:18.340 --> 00:37:19.440 nor anything else 00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:20.180 in all creation 00:37:20.180 --> 00:37:20.820 will be able 00:37:20.820 --> 00:37:21.680 to separate us 00:37:21.680 --> 00:37:22.860 from the love of God 00:37:22.860 --> 00:37:24.200 in Christ Jesus 00:37:24.200 --> 00:37:25.280 our Lord. 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:27.360 There is nothing 00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:28.559 and no one 00:37:28.559 --> 00:37:29.519 who is outside 00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:31.200 of His control. 00:37:32.480 --> 00:37:33.180 Rest 00:37:33.180 --> 00:37:34.140 and trust. 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:36.240 Verse 38 00:37:36.240 --> 00:37:37.059 41 00:37:37.059 --> 00:37:39.099 Even the wind 00:37:39.099 --> 00:37:40.039 and the sea 00:37:40.039 --> 00:37:41.640 obey Him. 00:37:42.620 --> 00:37:43.280 Let's pray. 00:37:45.059 --> 00:37:46.420 Our Father in Heaven 00:37:46.420 --> 00:37:48.140 we praise You 00:37:48.140 --> 00:37:49.180 and thank You 00:37:49.180 --> 00:37:50.140 that You have given us 00:37:50.140 --> 00:37:53.320 not simply stories 00:37:53.320 --> 00:37:54.320 but stories 00:37:54.320 --> 00:37:54.960 that tell us 00:37:54.960 --> 00:37:55.700 what is true 00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:57.000 about this world. 00:37:57.699 --> 00:37:58.419 We thank You 00:37:58.419 --> 00:37:59.279 that Jesus 00:37:59.279 --> 00:38:00.319 is with us 00:38:00.319 --> 00:38:01.500 and He's not just 00:38:01.500 --> 00:38:01.919 powerful 00:38:01.919 --> 00:38:03.159 but He also cares. 00:38:04.259 --> 00:38:04.759 We ask that You 00:38:04.759 --> 00:38:05.759 would use that truth 00:38:05.759 --> 00:38:06.419 and You drive it 00:38:06.419 --> 00:38:07.379 deep into our hearts 00:38:07.379 --> 00:38:07.939 that we 00:38:07.939 --> 00:38:09.059 would rest 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:09.960 more and more 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:10.779 in You 00:38:10.779 --> 00:38:11.439 and Your care 00:38:11.439 --> 00:38:12.159 and Your provision. 00:38:12.539 --> 00:38:13.460 We ask these things 00:38:13.460 --> 00:38:14.219 in the mighty name 00:38:14.219 --> 00:38:15.039 of Jesus Christ. 00:38:15.460 --> 00:38:15.679 Amen. 00:38:15.679 --> 00:38:15.819 Amen. 00:38:15.819 --> 00:38:15.879 Amen. 00:38:15.879 --> 00:38:15.899 Amen. 00:38:15.899 --> 00:38:15.919 Amen. 00:38:15.919 --> 00:38:15.939 Amen. 00:38:15.939 --> 00:38:15.960 Amen. 00:38:15.960 --> 00:38:17.960 Amen. 00:38:17.960 --> 00:38:17.980 Amen. 00:38:17.980 --> 00:38:18.000 Amen. 00:38:18.000 --> 00:38:18.019 Amen.