HOW DEEP DO WE WANT TO GO?

Sermon Notes, July 14, 2019

Rev. Ricky Hoosier

Pastor Garry and his family were on vacation, so Rev. Ricky Hoosier preached on Sunday.  The title of his message was “How Deep Do We Want to Go,” and his scripture reference was Mark 4:35-41, the story of when Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee.

The sea (Lake Gennesaret) is 13 miles long, 8 miles wide, and 680 feet deep.  It is a place of beauty, and a place of activity.  Because of its location, below sea level and surrounded by mountains, it is subject to squalls with high winds.   Many of the disciples had fished on this lake for years, but their faith was about to be tested.

We find Jesus teaching them, both the crowds and the disciples.  People stood along the water’s edge to listen to His teaching.  When evening came, He told the disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side.” (v. 36)  They left the crowd behind and sailed for the opposite shore.  Other boats follow.  Jesus is with His disciples.  He went to the back of the boat and went to sleep.  

CRISIS (v.37-38)  They could see the mountains, the sea and the stars.  Suddenly a furious squall came up, with huge waves about to swamp the boat.  The disciples were afraid.  They woke Jesus and said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

CHRIST (v. 39)  Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and waves.  “Quiet!  Be still!” Then the wind died down and it became completely

CALM  (v.39)  He asked them why they were so afraid.  “Do you still have no faith?” Jesus has power over Danger, over Demons, over Disease, and over Death.   The disciples were terrified.  “Who is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

How deep do we want to go?

Are we like the crowd that listened to Jesus teach?  Think of the beach.   Do we stand at the edge of the water?  Is it really safer along the edge, where the waves could knock you down?  Do we get into the water inch by inch, trying to get used to the cold, or do we jump in and adapt to it?  Do we go beyond the breakers?

Let’s go the extra mile to learn more.  Let’s get away from the water’s edge and jump in.  Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and it got calm.  We can call on Jesus at any time, and He will strengthen us and help us through whatever trial we are facing.   A time comes when we need to get away from our crowded life and seek rest and recuperation.  We need fuel!