Sent Into the Storm To Receive a Blessing

Larry the Lubber

Lubber OpinionLarry the Lubber

The opinions expressed by Larry the Lubber do not necessarily reflect the views of the crew — mostly because Larry is a pompous, sanctimonious authority on Scripture whose pontifications tend ter offend most everyone, even when he is right — which is ter often. – Staff

A good while after healing a fellow by the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (“house of mercy” or “house of grace” and could also mean “house of shame” or “house of disgrace”), Jesus took the disciples with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida — which means “house of the fisherman / hunter.”

While there, Jesus fed 5000 men, plus women and children. The writer John makes an interesting comment prior to this feeding.

Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When Jesus looked up, he saw a large crowd coming towards him. (John 6:4)

John never comes back to this comment, never explains more about why he inserted this mention of the Passover. Only we know is that after the first Passover, when the Jews left Egypt to start toward their Promised Land, God gave them manna — “daily bread” — each day, as much as they needed. Now Jesus feeds the people from five barley loaves, multiplying the bread so that everyone had enough to eat. All ate as much as they wanted. And when the feast was over, all the remains were gather, twelve baskets full. Twelve baskets … twelve tribes marching toward a land of promises.

While Jesus dismissed the crowd, he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to Capernaum. After the crowd left, Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Except the day before he had also been in prayer and morning the death of his cousin, John the Baptist. For Jesus, the crowd and feeding had interrupted his time of grieving and crying out to the Father. Later that night, when the boat was in the middle of the lake, Jesus sat alone on land.

When evening came, a strong wind blew and the waters grew rough. From on the mountain, Jesus saw the disciples straining at the oars, for on their west by south course, the wind was against them.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water.

Think on this a wee little bit: after the Passover, when the Jews left Egypt and reached the Reed Sea, they found themselves trapped. The Egyptian army was pressing against them and the sea prevented them from fleeing. But God parted the Reed Sea so all the Jews could walk through on dry land. When the Egyptian army followed, the waters of the sea rushed back in and all the Egyptians drowned. Now we find Jesus walking on water as though it were dry land. So when John tells us that the Passover was near, perhaps he knew readers would think about how  God made a way for his people to walk through water without drowning — how the Father fed them daily with manna.

In order to increase our faith, sometimes Jesus will send us into a storm where the outcome appears impossible. For his disciples this was such a time. Sent into a tempest, they feared for their lives. And what did they see coming toward them?

Frightened, and with Jesus about to pass them by, they called out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus replied, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter said, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Tell me to come to you … this is always a good prayer when we are in dire straits — when lives are at stake and we are in need of a miracle.

“Come,” Jesus said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Of all the things man has accomplished on earth — sailing across vast seas, ascending the highest mountains, exploring jungles and lands — none compares to walking on water. Other than Jesus, Peter alone walked on water. What a blessing.

But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. Beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Some see these words as a rebuke, but could it not be that Jesus was paying Peter a compliment? If we have a little faith that is a foundation that can grow to greater faith. Perhaps Jesus is saying to Peter — and us: “You have faith. Why are you doubting?”

Then they were willing to take Jesus into the boat. When the pair climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  At this point John Mark adds an interesting comment:

They were completely amazed for their hearts were hardened and they had not understood about the loaves. (Mark 6:52)

Five loaves turned into enough to feed thousands … water no longer a barrier but a path to the Son of Man, a storm instantly made calm. What are we hungry for today? What barrier prevents us from drawing closer to Jesus? What blessing is he trying to give us in the midst of today’s trials? Where do we need him to give us calm, peace, and protection in the midst of harsh circumstances.

Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Immediately the boat reached the shore of Capernaum, the Plain of Gennesaret, and they anchored.

The crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread (Bethsaida) after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.

Keep in mind that when Peter stepped from the boat he risked his life. Had he sank  he quite possibly would have drowned. In fact later when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the details of the storm, Peter did go under. Peter risked all to come to Jesus. Will we?

Consider that today’s storm may be sent by Jesus in order to increase our faith, bless us with a larger vision of his power and glory, and lead us to walk a life of miracles.

Honor Your Mother; Pray for Her

When Jesus Whispers

“Honor your mother. A wife of noble character is a rare gem. She shines with immeasurable value. Her actions bring goodness, never harm. She approaches her tasks with enthusiasm. She brings sustenance, awakening before dawn to embrace her responsibilities. Her arms are strong, capable of accomplishing all the challenge that come her way. Even in the darkness, her lamp remains lit, for she is up early and the last to lie down. Her heart opens wide to embrace those in need, extending her hands to those who ask for help. Clad in strength and dignity, she faces the future with laughter and joy, removing fear in the hearts of her children.

“Her words are seasoned with wisdom, and her tongue conveys faithful instruction. With persistence, she watches over her household, refusing to live a life of idleness. Her children rise and proclaim her blessings; when old they recall how she cared for them. Her husband — if he is not a fool — praises her without measure. Among her noble deeds, her love surpasses them all. External charm deceives, and physical beauty fades, but a mother who trust in me is to be praised above all.” Jesus (Exodus 20:12, Proverbs 31)

“Do Not Criticize!”

When Jesus Whispers

Do Not Criticize

 

“Encourage one another. Those who boost the spirits of others uphold the Law and honor the one true judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, so it’s not your place to judge your neighbor. Instead, practice love and kindness towards one another. Envy and selfish ambition are not aligned with my Father’s values and will only lead you astray. Therefore, strive to be like my Father, who gives generously and without criticism.

“My Father does not tempt anyone, but there are some who pervert my Father’s grace to justify their immoral behavior. As my followers, take joy in seeing others walking in my truth, light, and love. If anyone comes to you with teachings that oppose the words of my Father, the Law and the Prophets, do not receive them. Separate yourself so you may not fall into temptation. Rather, focus on building each other up without criticizing or judging.”— Jesus

(James 3:14-15, James 1:5, 13, Jude 1:4, 3 John 1:4, 2 John 1:10-11)

God’s Holy Spirit Keeps Us from Sinning

When Jesus Whispers

God's Holy Spirit Keeps Us from Sinning_v1

“I am the one who takes away the sin of the world. My blood cleanses you from all sin. If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all wickedness. You know that you have come to me if you keep my commands. The one who says, “I know Jesus,” but does not do what I command is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Whoever claims to live in me must walk as I walked. I came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not cast them aside.

“If you love me, keep my commands. Anyone who breaks the least of my commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of your religious leaders you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“Through me the law of the Spirit — who gives life — set you free from sin. Through the renewal of my Holy Spirit you are saved. Your body — once ruled by sin — is now dead so that you are no longer a slave to sin. Though you once desired to do what is good, you could not carry it out. So why are you still trying to rely on your flesh to make you holy? I say to you: live according to my Spirit and you will put to death the misdeeds of your body.

“You are controlled by my Spirit if you allow ME to reign in you. Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not allow my Spirit to rule your body? If I reside in you and you remain in me, your body is dead to sin. If you will but live by my Spirit, you will put to death the misdeeds of your body. If you live by your flesh, you will breath into life the misdeeds of your body and die.

“If you sin, I do not condemn you. Guilt, blame, and shame comes from the one who accuses you — your enemy. So why do you condemn yourself? Rather, repent, confess your sins, and ask to be filled with my Spirit. If you could have kept the Law on your own there would have been no need for me to come. But now that I have come — if my Spirit reigns in you — you are set free from sin. I say again: You are not bound to sin. Therefore, go and allow my Spirit to rule in your body so that you may leave your life of sin.” — Jesus

John 1:29, 1 John 1:7-10, Romans 8:2 , Luke 6:46, Matthew 5:17-20, Titus 3:4-6, Romans 8:13, Romans 7:18, Romans 8:9-10, Galatians 2:21, John 8:11


Who is responsible for keeping us from sin? Is it us or Christ? Hear what Jesus, the Apostles, and the Father say.

Jesus says to us, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). “You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

“We are being transformed into the same image of Jesus from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18) We have been chosen to be obedient to Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:2) It is God who sanctifies us through and through. May our whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) Therefore, flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22). Christ Jesus himself will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. He will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. He will put his Spirit in you. He will move you to follow the Lord’s decrees and be careful to keep His laws.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27). For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

“With regard to your former way of life, put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires. Instead be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24). Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30) and give credit to the works of the Holy Spirit to another—not even yourself (Matthew 12: 31-32).

 

Oh, Lord, may we not “burdened again by a yoke of slavery to sin.” (Galatians 5:1) Instead, may we “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.” (Acts 1:8)  May “the Spirit put to death in us the misdeeds of our body.” (Romans 8:13) May we “no longer live as a slave to sin.” (Romans 6:6) May we be “sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  (1 Corinthians 6:11)

“I am the Lord, Yahweh” — Jesus

When Jesus Whispers

“If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, for the Father and I are one. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with my Father, and the Word was my Father. The Father and I are one and I am his Word. I was with my Father in the beginning.

“Through me all things were made; without me nothing was made that has been made. In me is life, and that life was the light of all mankind. As I was with Moses, so I am with you; If you will receive me, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

“I am the Lord, Yahweh. I appeared to Abraham near the trees of Mamre. Though a scorching day, Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent as if anxious for a stranger to visit. That day we spoke as friends, for though he only knew my voice, I knew Abraham from before time. While my angels and I enjoyed curds, milk, and a young calf, Abraham looked on, wondering why the Lord of the universe had paid him a visit.

“As we prepared to leave, I looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, for I knew their sin had become great. I turned to Abraham and instructed him to keep the way of the Lord, to do what is right and just. To my friend Abraham I promised great blessings if only he would obey my words.

“You see me as the son of Joseph and Mary—a savior born of water and the Spirit—and indeed, I am. But before my birth in Bethlehem, before Abraham was born, I was.

“I appeared to Isaac at Beersheba. I wrestled with Jacob near the ford of Jabbok. With Moses I would not let him see my face, for no one can see my glory and live. Later Moses did see my glory, for while I was praying with Peter, James and John, my face changed, and my clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. If you search the Scriptures, you will find that I am, was, and will be always and forever, for I am the Lord your God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles in days of old—and still work miracles for those who ask. My name is Jesus, Joshua, Yahweh, “I am,” and “I will be.” And I will be with you forever if only you will welcome me into your tent.” — Jesus

John 1:1-4, John 14:9, Joshua 1:5, John 1:1-4, Genesis 18, Luke 9:28–36

When the Storms of Life Come

When Jesus Whispers

When the Storms of Life Come

“The one who comes to me, hears my words, and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his home on a solid rock. That man will not be shaken when storms come,. But the man who comes to me and hears what I say to him, but refuses to do as I say, that man will fall when the storms of life come. His destruction will be complete. If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, for the Father and I are one. Therefore, do as I say. Hear the words of my Father. Hear my words. Put into practice our words and you will stand until the end.” — Jesus

‘The Old Is Better’

When Jesus Whispers

‘The old is better'

“I have not come to call those who think themselves righteous to repentance, for were I to pour new wine into old wineskins, the skins would burst. Rather, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. Those who hold to the traditions of men and deny the words of my Father will say, ‘The old is better.’ But I tell you, unless you are born of water and my Spirit you cannot enter the kingdom of my Father, for those who worship my Father worship in Spirit.”—Jesus

Luke 5:37-39,John 3:5, Matthew 15:6