Title: Take it easy, don't be afraid
Contents
Hymn: 461 (New Hymn No. 345) 'When the Wind Blows in a Dark Night'
Meditation: Wouldn't it be nice if life were a breeze every day But the wind blows, the waves crash, and the typhoon comes in our life. Are you not in the gale of life right now?
Confession of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Text: “… Jesus immediately said to him, “Take it easy; do not be afraid… ” (Matthew 14:22-33)
Jesus commanded the disciples to first get into a boat and go to the region of Bethsaida across the Sea of Galilee.
The disciples obeyed Jesus' command and first crossed the Sea of Galilee by boat. But when the disciples reached the middle of the sea, a violent storm blew in. Then Jesus comes to the disciples and calms the storm. This text gives us three lessons.
First, even if we live in obedience to the word of the Lord, we can meet storms. As the disciples crossed the sea in obedience to Jesus' words, they encountered an unexpected storm (verse 24). You may not understand. But there was a deep meaning of Jesus. The disciples met Jesus who walked on the water through the pain of the storm and who had the power to calm the storm with the word.
Second, we must expect Jesus to come to the scene of suffering. Jesus came to the disciples who were suffering from a storm. That was the ‘Four Views of the Night’. The Lord came at the very hour when darkness was at its peak. It was a time when the disciples had now given up everything and were in a state of despair. Just when Jesus needed help, he ran right to his disciples. Sometimes there may be a difference between the time we ask the Lord for help and the time the Lord comes to us. However, the Lord will come 'without fail' at 'the right time'.
Third, we must meet the Lord who reveals Him in the Word. The Lord comes to the disciples and speaks. 'Relax, don't be afraid!' This expression comes from the Greek word ‘Ego Eimi’, which means ‘I am … ' was a divine expression. In other words, Jesus approached the disciples who were struggling in the storm and said, "I am. Almighty God is here. So, be at peace. Don't be afraid." are you in pain Rest assured. Don't be afraid. Almighty God helps.
Prayer: Heavenly Father who helps us, help us to look only at the God of Immanuel in the midst of the storms of life. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer