Communion (St Peter’s)

7^th February 2010

Revelation 4 and Luke 8:22-25

INTRODUCTION:

This morning I want to ask two questions.

But before that, a look back fifty years to a Guide camp. I was still a student and was invited to assist at the camp and to give medical advice if required. 

The whole week had been extremely hot and the Thursday was a boiling hot day, so we had not done very much except try to keep in the shade. When bed time came, most of the girls were tired and, despite the heat, were soon asleep. All was calm ----then a sudden storm ---- flashes of lightening, claps of thunder and monsoon like rain. Everyone woke and there was a certain amount of fear, especially when the tents began to be flooded.

There was no need to be afraid because Captain had arranged a transfer to the barn, hot cocoa was provided by the farmer’s wife and all our fear subsided.

Imagine the panic if Captain had gone on sleeping and left us all to cope alone ---- but we were reassured because we knew we could trust her.

Luke 8: 22-25 The Disciples in a storm

It had been Jesus’ idea to go across the lake: - “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake”

All seemed calm as they set off--- Jesus even fell asleep, may be lulled by the gentle movement of the boat and the waves lapping against it.

Disciples were quite happy to let him sleep ---- they could manage, they were well used to handling boats (they were fishermen) --- there was no problem.

Suddenly ---- Everything changed!

“A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.”

Now they were not so bold --- not so sure that they could manage. They woke Jesus up, saying: -“Master, Master, we’re going to drown” or as Mark records the incident: -“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown”

Fear and panic took over ----- where was Jesus when they needed him?

How could he sleep when they were in such danger --- didn’t he know or worse still, didn’t he care?

Yes he did know and yes he did care. Jesus immediately took command of the situation: - “He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and all was calm”

All was calm --- you can almost feel the tension going --- the relief as fear subsided as Jesus took control.

But Jesus asked them an important question (the first of two questions in this passage)

“Where is your faith?”

Why the panic? Why could you not trust me? Why be afraid when I am in the boat with you?

??? !!! We can often be like those disciples.

When life is all plain sailing --- everything going well ----- so often we forget about Jesus and manage alone, relying on our own skills and abilities --- making our own plans ---- taking our own decisions..

We can manage ----- we can handle life.

Yes, we believe that Jesus is with us ---- and it’s good to have him on board ----- but ----- let him sleep

All is well until, suddenly, storms come ----- illness, bereavement, marriage breakdown, un-employment, money problems, rebellious teenagers.

Help! We feel swamped ------ going under – unable to cope --- in despair. Panic sets in.

That’s when we call out to Jesus, as the disciples did in the storm.  The wonderful thing is, he hears us.

He knows what we need because he has been with us all the time.

He is able to calm our fears and to bring us peace when we take our needs to him in prayer.

“Where is your faith? “Where is your faith?”

Jesus might ask that question of us today.

Are we in danger of letting our troubles drown us?

Are we afraid or sad, worried or despairing?

Jesus is saying: - I am with you ---- trust me --- I will keep you safe.

Second question.

Storm over, the disciples asked: -“Who is this man”

What kind of man can command the wind to cease and the waves to calm down?

Revelation 4 gives us the answer.

Here we see a glimpse of heaven

John has a wonderful vision of heaven ---- a door standing open to allow him to peep in and see the glory of God.

He saw God enthroned in glory and majesty, splendour and power ---- surrounded by many creatures who worshipped and adored Him.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. You are worthy to receive glory and honour and power; for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.”

You created all things: - the whole vast universe was created and is sustained by God ----- and Jesus was with God in that work of creation.

John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made”

“Who is this man?” the disciples asked.

He is the Word --- he is with God ---- He is God ----and He created everything.

This man Jesus who calmed the storm on the lake is none other than the mighty, powerful God who made the whole of the world and therefore calming the wind and the waves was a small matter for him.

!!! ??? We too might ask: - “Who is Jesus? How can he deal with my problems?

Jesus, to whom we pray, is none other than the great and glorious God who John glimpsed in his vision.

With him all things are possible ---- even dealing with our problems.

At the guide camp we had no fear in the storm because we knew how capable and caring our captain was.

When we realise who Jesus truly is ------- the powerful creator God, who loves us and cares for us ------ then we can, with confidence, safely put our trust in him.

2 QUESTIONS

“Where is your faith?”

• Do we rely upon own ability to see us through life?

 Sadly, there are times when problems arise that are beyond our ability to cope.

• Is our faith in Jesus, who is with us always and promises to help us carry our burdens and to give us peace.

“Who is this man?”

• Just a figure in history, someone we heard of at school
• No, he is none other than Almighty God, the creator of this vast universe

With him nothing is impossible ----- not        even dealing with our problems.

A children’s chorus sums it all up

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

There’s nothing that he can not do

The mountains are his, the rivers are his

The stars are his handiwork too

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

There’s nothing that he can not do