Sermon Nuggets Fri April 18
Theme Walk on Water
Verses- John 6:21-25 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.
23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
Matt 14:28-35 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him. (NIV)
THE LORD ACTS IN OUR DISTRESS
The storm calmed after Jesus reached out to save Peter in his distress. Walking with Jesus can cause distressing moments when we look at our circumstances instead of Him. But He still acts in reaching out to Peter, calming the storm, and joining the others in the boat. John tells us they were safe and everything was OK.
Jesus’ all knowing power reminds me and you He has not forgotten us. Even when it does not seem as if He is doing anything about it, my faith is made strong to wait. He knows what’s going on. Don’t worry. We are His own.
It is another wonderful thought to realize His presence, His closeness, His being there, but in it all He is acting out His perfect will. Romans 8:28 is still true even though it is often misquoted. All things do work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. The disciples were called according to His purposes. They were obedient and saw a marvelous demonstration of the power of Jesus and times in their lives later after Jesus’ ascension they needed to remind themselves of that on going care in the midst of distress.
The disciples were afraid of losing their lives on a boat, but Jesus saved them. Yet all of them, except John, lost their lives in persecutions for their faith. Did Jesus leave them and not see them? Many were healed in Jesus ministry. He acted and His glory was seen, but we also read of many who later prayed for healing and did not receive it and we know that all who were healed eventually, sooner or later, got sick and died if some other accident didn’t occur first. God did not mean for us to live forever on this earth.
When people accept the fact that God is at work acting in our situation to glorify the father, success is guaranteed.
Operation Mobilization reflected on God’s intervention after their mercy ship sunk. Since it was launched in 1971 more than 7 million people walked up its gangways, 1 million participated in training, 30 million pieces of literature. Then one day in South America during a storm it stank. What happened? Where was Jesus? Did He know?
The director responded a few months after it was sunk. 1. There was unity in prayer - People from all over rallied as intercessors for those involved. 2. Encouragement - Urbana director wrote “We want to help during these days of warfare for the kingdom. Praise the Lord as he has already won the victory otherwise we couldn’t stand the attacks could we? You must have some plans on the drawing board that are going and a great deal to the world of the Lord, or you wouldn’t be the target for such heavy attacks. 3. Refocus of Direction - Ship is a tool, people are the ministry. It helps sort our priorities and revise our ministry plans before the Lord. 4. Worldwide response – Japanese Christians sent check 10,000 Brazil 25,000 Venezuelans 15,000 Barbados, poorest country, Panama tons of clothing Four children brought a jar of their savings -$11.87
Was the sinking of the Logos a tragedy? God forbid. Like every great crises of life, it was an opportunity for God’s people to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”
In His time Jesus acts. We remain faithful because He is faithful.
Pastor Dale
