Wednesday, 28 January 2015

 Saturday: 3rd Week in Ordinary Time-B
I Reading:
Cycle I- Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19: He looked forward to a city founded, designed and built by God.
Cycle II- 2Samuel 12:1-7.10-17: I have sinned against the Lord.
Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41: Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.

The Authority of Jesus over Nature: Rest and Peace

What was the purpose of this experience? Why was a storm allowed to arise on the sea with Jesus in the boat? The answer is given in v.42 “Who is this?” Jesus proved again that he is the Messiah! Calming the storm would do three things.
1.     It would demonstrate who he is: the Sovereign Lord who has all power- even power over nature.
2.     It would strengthen the belief of his followers, belief in him as the Messiah and his personal care as their Savior.
3.     It would give to all generations a picture of His care and power to deliver through all the storms of life (trial and fearful experiences).
In this experience Jesus has demonstrated his wonderful care and power to deliver the believer through all the storms of life.

1.     Rest and peace are sought after a tiring day (v.35-36)
a.     At evening- Jesus was fatigued tired
b.    He was so fatigued, he went as he was-without any preparation
c.      Other ships went also
2.     Rest and peace can be experienced despite a great storm (v.37-38)
a.     Boat filled with water
b.    Jesus slept
3.     Rest and peace are a concern to Jesus
a.     The disciples feared lest they drown
b.    The power of Jesus to control the situation
4.     Rest and peace come through two sources
a.     Through faith
b.    Through Jesus, His power and His Word. Cp. v.39
Thought: The power of Jesus to control the sea and its storms, to control nature itself, demonstrates three facts:
i.                   Christ is the Son of God, the Sovereign Lord over all nature and life (Mt 8:26; Mk 1:1).
ii.                 Christ can calm any storm of life for us (Mt 28:18; Rom 1:4).
iii.              Christ can strengthen us to go through any trail (1Cor 10:13; 2Cor 1:3-4; 2:14; 2Tim 4:18; Ps 91:3).

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