Proper 7 reflection

By His powerful Word We will see that Jesus calms the “great windstorm” and the waves “breaking into the boat.” He does not permit the chaos of this fallen world to overwhelm us. Or bring us to despair. By the Word of His Gospel. He speaks “Peace” to us. Which bestows the “great calm” of His New Creation. Therefore, you do not need to be afraid.

O most loving Father, You want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing, and to lay all our cares on You. Knowing that You care for us. Strengthen us in our faith in You. Grant that the fears and anxieties of this mortal life may not separate us from Your love shown to us in Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.

Hymn: # 26 Crown Him with Many crowns Vv. 1-3

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  

And they were filled with great fear and aid to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Hymn: #26 Crown Him with Many Crowns Vv. 4-5

Jesus’ disciples. Terrified by a storm which came upon them quickly on the Sea of Galilee. They were powerless to escape it or overcome it.

Jesus, however, through whom all things were created, is able to calm the seas by the command of His voice. After all. He is God.  Who brought all things into existence by simply speaking.  And saying ‘Let there be...’ and so it was.

Sometimes. It can be hard to understand what God is doing in our lives or in every-day events. Sometimes. We might be tempted to think that He is out to judge our mistakes and missteps. This story reminds us that Jesus is present and in control. Even when it seems He is hidden. Or “asleep. In the bottom of the boat.”

Jesus cares for us. And will keep us safe no matter what. He can still our anxious minds. Just as He brought peace to stormy weather.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could just give a signal and change the weather?

Believe it or not. That is exactly what Jesus does in today’s Gospel lesson! Jesus and His disciples were out on a boat. And a storm picked up.

Now, remember. That the disciples were fishermen. So they knew how to handle a boat and ride out waves. But this was a huge storm! With wind. And rain. And big waves!

They started to get worried. They were so afraid that they didn’t know what to do. And they thought they might drown.

But through all of this. Do you know where Jesus was? He was asleep! Can you believe that. Just snoozing in the boat! Well. The disciples woke Him up. And asked for help. Jesus got up. And told the waves: “Peace! Be still!”

All of a sudden. It was completely calm. It didn’t even have to gradually die down. It was instant stillness on the water. The disciples were amazed. And asked who this man could possibly be. That even the wind and waves would obey Him. At a simple word.

Well, this man was God Himself. Of course! The author and ruler of wind and waves. Jesus could certainly command the weather. But it seemed pretty remarkable to His followers.

You know. This is a fascinating story. And it demonstrates God’s amazing power. But it also reminds us of some other important things.

Do you ever feel worried or scared? Jesus cares! He is in control. Even when it might seem like He’s “asleep” in the boat. The things that make us anxious. Or frightened. They stir up our emotions. Making us feel “stormy” inside. Almost bubbling over!

But when we pray and put our trust in Jesus. His power can calm our hearts. And settle our nervous minds.

He brings us lasting peace. And stills the worries that threaten us. If Jesus can control the weather with just a simple command. We can be confident that He has power over our fears. We can ask Him for help. Hope. And guidance.

When things are rough. Remember He is there in the boat with us! Trust in Him for strength. He will calm the storms in our lives!  [1]

Lord thank you for your love and care. Thank you for your protection especially when circumstances are beyond our control. That you for your word and promises which never fail.

Words –985
Passive Sentences –3.2%
Readability –89.8%
Reading Level -2.4

Image of Jesus Sleeping in the midst of a storm by Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts copyright WELS permission granted for private and congregational use. 

[1] https://ministry-to-children.com/jesus-calms-the-storm-mark-childrens-sermon/