Shark Storms

The sermon was from Mark 4:35-41. Jesus calms the storm. You've heard this story before. Jesus is asleep in the boat during a Great storm. The fearful disciples wonder if He truly cares about them. WIth a word, Jesus brings a Great calm. Then the disciples are filled with Great fear.

I was struck by a new image and application.

Our pastor noted that these types of storms on the sea of Galilee were called Shark Storms. He had us picture a great white shark clutching on to the bow of the ship dragging it down into foaming dark and wild waves. A frightening image. No wonder the disciples were afraid. Powerful chaos challenged their abilities and their lives.

Usual applications concern personal storms that an individual may be facing. We are told to believe that Jesus does care, and that at any moment He may say, "Peace!" and all will be well.  Perhaps you may have been told that the antidote to fearing waves is a greater fear of who is with you. All this is good and true.

Our pastor mentioned these things, but also drew an application to the storm that the church of Jesus is in right now.

The disciples were the men who would be the beginning of the church.  We as the church today face a great chaotic storm of false ideologies, false worship, abuse, and disunity that would grip us and drag us beaten into a sea of confusion. It is natural when looking at the waves to be afraid of them. Is the Gospel still going forth and winning? Can we fight against the philosophies of the day? Our numbers seem so small and insignificant. Our strength seems spent. Our boat is filling with water, are we going to go down? Is Jesus asleep? Does He see what is happening? Does Jesus care?

Oh, yes He does! At any given moment, at THE RIGHT MOMENT, he will say, "Peace" and a great calm will ensue for all eternity.

Fear not the waves of loud angry voices. Fear not the storm of confusion. Fear not the threat to the triumph of the gospel and Christ's Kingdom. Fear HIM.