Here’s Hope: “Are you hurting and broken within, overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling, have you come to the end of yourself? O, come to the altar, the Father’s arms are open wide.” ( Song: “O, Come To The Altar” written by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steve Furtick, & Wade Joy)
Bible Passage:
Mark 4:35-41 ( “Why are you so afraid? ...) Please read the entire passage from Mark’s gospel as listed here.
Consider This: What is the best advice you have ever received? I don’t know how you might answer that question, but I hope it will have something to do with a passage of Scripture. The Bible is our best resource for finding hope or dealing with fear. Do you believe that statement? I hope you do. This past Easter Sunday I had the opportunity to hear Franklin Graham’s sermon from Central Park in New York City, delivering a very hope filled Easter message. Musician Michael W. Smith also sang and played his keyboard along with Franklin Graham and the two of them were very encouraging and uplifting as they spoke and played in the foreground of a field hospital that Samaritan Purse has set up there in Central Park. Recalling some of Mr. Graham’s words, he cited the Bible passage listed above from Mark chapter 4, this passage deals with Jesus and the disciples being in a boat in the Sea of Galilee, when a furious squall or storm came up rather suddenly and the disciples feared for their lives. Today we as citizens of our great country may also be in fear for our lives because of this threatening virus. We may be afraid but we don’t have to be.
Franklin Graham said Sunday, we are also in a storm with all of the uncertainty in our world. However he pointed us to our Savior Jesus Christ, that we might find the hope and encouragement we need. In the Bible passage today, we can hear the words of Jesus when he said, “Why are you so afraid?” This is one of my favorite Bible stories in all the Bible because it shows how the disciples were amazed at the overwhelming power of Jesus. In the midst of the storm, Jesus said, “Quiet! Be still!, and the waves were “completely calm.” The disciples asked, “ Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” For you and I , Jesus is still the one who can calm the storm. We need to place our trust in Him. Look to him today, He will not leave you. God’s Holy Spirit is with us even now, trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord we thank you that you still calm us as your sons and daughters. Help us to look to your Word the Bible to remind us, do not be afraid, I am with you. Amen.