Sermon nuggets Weds April 16, 2008
Theme Walk on Water
Verses-John 6:18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
19 When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.
20 But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
THE LORD COMES IN OUR DISTRESS
The disciples needed to learn not only to trust Jesus when He is in the boat, but to be aware that He is with them always. He comes to them, howbeit, in this unusual fashion by walking on the water. They were scared, thinking it was a ghost.
Someone mentioned that every miracle Jesus performed He did so to help others in their need and never for His own needs. He did not change stones into bread that he might eat, but did multiply fish and bread so others could eat. He did not take himself from the cross and overcome the guards at his own pain and discomfort of the cross, but he did raise the sick, cause the blind to see and the lame to walk. He did not jump off the temple pinnacle that others might follow him and receive the worship which he rightly deserves, but instead He does walk supernaturally on the water to bring comfort and peace to his beloved disciples. He does always use the miraculous, but his love and presence is there never the less.
His presence is here to calm the winds and the waves, to change the situation, and to bring comfort in loneliness and fear. They were no longer alone. They were reminded again that even as they should have remembered, Jesus was in control.
Notice they were not spared from the storm. The storm was no problem for Jesus as it is with us. I like the one contemporary song that gives us that idea. "Sometimes He calms the storm. Sometimes Other times He calms His child."
What a joy we have in the latter days when we have the presence of God with us and even within us. The Holy Spirit is dwelling within us all the time. You cannot ever be outside of His presence if you have received Christ into your life.
There are special times when the Lord makes us aware of His closeness and His presence in a special and unique manner. Often, even in crises situations, a person will tell of an experience that confirms this in unusual ways. More than once I have had the occasion to be called on to one who was sick or terminal or called to the home of the family of someone who had just died. I have often heard the comment made, “Pastor, I don’t know what people do without Jesus Christ.” I don’t either. Hebrews 13:6 Lo, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, henceforth we can confidently say the Lord is my helper, I will not fear for what can man do to me?
Whatever your are going through the Lord sees and is there, sometimes even in ways we can't imagine. What comforting words those were to those in the boat-"It is I; don't be afraid." Those same words are for you.
Pastor Dale
