A Word of the Lord for our Day (5-8-2021)

 

A Word of the Lord for our Day (5-8-2021)

[Jhn 6:15-21 ESV] 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

Many in our world today feel that Jesus has withdrawn His presence from them, from their churches, and from the whole world. It is like they have entered a time of darkness, and a stormy sea of trouble.

19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."

In the midst of these storms, Jesus appears, apparently unconcerned about the darkness or the storms. Then He calls out to them and they hear His voice.

28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Some hear His voice, take heart and respond, daring to step out into the storms and go to Jesus. Even these though, when they take their eyes off of Jesus, feel the fear in the storms and begin to sink. But Jesus is always faithful to reach out and rescue them.

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

In Jesus’ presence, the storms cease and Jesus is worshipped and glorified.

21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

As they take Him into their world of trouble, suddenly they arrive at their ultimate destination.

The world is in the midst of a great, dark, and violent storm these days. Many are wondering, where is God? Why is He allowing all of this manifested evil in our world? Then, in the midst of the storm, Jesus will appear but in an unusual way. At first, it may seem frightening but then He calls out, “do not be afraid”. With newfound courage, some walk out into the storm at Jesus’ call. Even for these, sometimes the storm is overwhelming and if they take their eyes off of Jesus and fear returns. But Jesus is always faithful. He reaches out, takes them by the hand, and rescues them. Then suddenly they find themselves safely through the storm and at their final destination, in His presence, and in His Kingdom, home at last.

Rest assured, Jesus is in the midst of the dark and evil storms that are in our world today. It is His storm. He is in control. It is a test and a process of separating the wheat from the chaff, sheep from goats. Our task is to keep our eyes on Him, hear, and obey. We have a part to play in this great drama. He will move suddenly, then those that have heard, taken His hand, and invited Him into their “boat” will find themselves in His presence, in His Kingdom, and home at last. Take heart, Jesus is coming very soon.