JESUS CALMS THE STORMS
-Introduction
-Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived from 342 B.C - 270 B.C., argued that the
presence of evil, pain and suffering in this world proves that the God of heaven is not
simultaneously loving and all-powerful.
-He said that if God was a loving God then He would not want people to suffer.
However, since people do suffer, then God must not be powerful enough to
prevent it. On the other hand, he said, if God is all-powerful and able to prevent
suffering, the fact that people suffer proves that He is not a fully, loving God.
-On the surface, this seems to be a powerful argument. Yet, with some careful
considerations, we can see that these conclusions are flawed.
-So, how does one harmonize the presence of evil, pain and suffering with the existence
of an all-powerful, completely loving God?
-freedom of choice, consequences of choices, mistakes, the profound effect of sin
on this world (Rom. 8:18-23)-
-The fact is: Evil, pain and suffering are a part of life in this world. They affect each
of us in varying ways and varying degrees.
-The key is: How can I best react to and cope with such situations?
-Jesus Calms the Storms
-Mark 4:35-41 (also found in Matt 8)
-In this passage, Jesus calmed the storm with the well-known words, “Peace, be still.”
-Let’s consider another time involving rough seas as well:
-Matt 14:22-33
-In this passage as well, Jesus calmed the storm.
-Was that in the control and/or abilities of the disciples? No.
-Could they do anything to alleviate their circumstances? No.
-Did they do anything to bring those circumstances upon them? No.
-So, they didn’t bring it upon themselves - They couldn’t do anything about it -
It was out of their control.
-So, what was the answer? Or, who was the answer.
-Let’s think about this in terms with which we can now relate. Can you imagine what it
would have been like if Jesus was here May 22nd, walked out in this parking lot, looked
toward that EF5 tornado and spoke the words, “Peace, be still.”
-A Look At Peter
-Let’s focus on Peter in Matthew 14.
-We’re sometimes hard on Peter regarding his actions.
-But, consider this: He got out of the boat.
-How many others got out of the boat?
-Why did he step out onto the rough waters?
-At that particular time, he wasn’t focused on the rough waters. They weren’t the
object of his faith.
-He wasn’t focused on the others in the boat with him. His faith wasn’t in them.
-I wonder what they were saying to Peter as he climbed out of the boat?
-Whatever they said, it didn’t matter.
-Peter’s focus was on Jesus. His faith was in Christ, not in his shipmates.
-Now, think about us. Do we allow what others do or don’t do to affect our faith? Do we
allow what others say or don’t say to affect our faith?
-The strength and determination of our faith should not be based upon our fellow
man. We should do our best not to allow others to hinder our faith. Our faith
is in Christ. Our focus is to be on Him.
-He is Lord and Christ. The church belongs to Him. He is our Savior.
-Jesus will not betray us. He will not forsake us. He will not forget us.
-He died for us. He loves us. It is in Him and through Him that we gain and
maintain our strength.
-The presence of evil, pain and suffering (including natural disasters) do not detract
from that fact.
-As long as Peter remained focused on Jesus, he did just fine.
-Mark 14:29-30 - When Peter lost his focus on Jesus and became distracted, he began
to sink.
-What were his words? - Lord, save me.
-What did Jesus do? He saved him.
-Summary and Invitation
-Evil, pain and suffering do not detract from the nature and attributes of our God.
-Regardless of what we face in this life, the promises and blessings made available to us
through Jesus remain in place.
-Nothing and nobody can take those things away from God’s children.
-Rom 8:35-39
-Heb 12:1-2
-Is your focus on Jesus? People will sometimes let you down. Jesus won’t. Life
and the events that unfold in this life will try us. Yet, Jesus is always available.
If we’ll turn to Him, we can find the calm even amidst the storms.
-Invitation