Mark 4:33 - Mark 5: 2
These verses talk about Jesus teaching his disciples since morning. In the same day, but in the evening, He took his disciples for "Practical" session. Since morning, it was "Theory".
Jesus has the power to take us through the storm. When we come out of the storm, we are different...changed. We become an overcomer and we come out victorious. The kingdom of God is life. When we accept Him in our lives, Jesus makes us a realist.
In v 25, ...that day when evening came means in the same day. Jesus prepared his disciples since morning. In the evening, he took them into the storm.
What should we do in the storm?
1. Let us rest through the storm when the storm is Jesus-led.
Matthew 8:23
All we have to do is to get in the boat where Jesus is. And we'll face it courageously. The disciples got into the storm because they were obedient. When we go through a Jesus-led storm, Jesus faces the storm on our behalf. If Jesus can overcome the world, we can overcome our storm. Infact, Jesus knew the storm was coming. And yet he asked his disciples to get into the boat. This is because Jesus wanted to show them and let them experience to rest through the storm.
2. Be overwrap by the fear of the Lord and not be overtaken by the fear of the storm.
2 Timothy 1:7
The disciples had 2 types of fear.
Firstly, the negative fear when they were afraid of the storm. This fear is destructive. It is a spirit of fear. This fear torments, breeds and multiples. It paralyses your faith.
Secondly, the positive fear when they were amazed that Jesus calmed the storm. We whould overcome the negative fear with the fear of the Lord. The disciples were in great awe and amazed as the storm died down the moment Jesus spoke to the storm that the storm "Be Still!" When we fear God, the wind and the waves fear God.
3. There is liberation when the storm dies down.
Mark 5:7, 15
In fact, not only are we liberated, but the people around us are also liberated. After the storm died down and they crossed over to the other side of the lake, they saw a man who was demon-possessed. The possessed man was called "Legion" as there were many demons in him. These demons are the tormenters. But when they saw Jesus, these tormenters were afraid that Jesus would torment them. These demons begged Jesus not to send them out of the area. Once the demons left the man, the man was set free. From a man who lived in the tomb and could even break the chains that binded him, he became a man who was able to sit down, be clothed and in a right frame of mind. Restlessness is a symptom of being possesed. But being restful is the direct opposite as we can rest in the Lord. When we surrender and trust the Lord, we are able to be restful, clothed and have a right mind.
Thus, let us rest in Abba Father knowing very well that He'll be with us even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for He is with us. His rod (power and authority) and his staff (the manifested presence of God); they comfort us. We shall walk through the storm boldly and confidently as Abba Father is with us at all times. Happy Father's Day!!!
P/S: This was what I learned during last Sunday's message...
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