Jesus Calms the Storm
What are you afraid of? For a sailor or fishermen, a storm at sea is about as scary as it can get. One has no control over the weather and the raw power of the wind and water has destroyed many ships and taken thousands of lives.
But what is a storm a sea to Jesus? He calms it in just the same way that He created it — with naught but a word.
What does that have to do with us? We face storms of all kinds in our lives–bad weather, spiritual storms, difficult relationships and illness are just to name a few. The disciples were men of faith and had left everything in order to follow Jesus. But when they were faced with a raging storm, fear for their lives became foremost in their minds.
While our response to the variety of storms in our lives may not perfect, we can remember that our Lord commands and raises the stormy wind (Psalm 107) and then delivers us from it. He does this for our benefit, in His wisdom.
Today’s sermon text is from Mark 4:
35On that day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38But 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?” 39And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”
Mark 4:35-41
Click here to open the bulletin in a new tab or scroll down to view it.
Announcements
Donations: Although we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the expenses remain constant. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
LWML: Funds are still needed to support ongoing activities. Please send donations to Margaret Ebert.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.