Mark 4:35-39

Storms Don’t Last Always

Introduction: storm, disturbance of the ordinary conditions of the atmosphere attended by wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail, or thunder and lightning. Types of storms include the the tropical cyclone, or hurricane, which is somewhat smaller in area than the former and accompanied by high winds and heavy rains; the tornado, or “twister,” a small but intense storm with very high winds, usually of limited duration; and the thunderstorm, local in nature and accompanied by brief but heavy rain showers and often by hail. The term storm is also applied to blizzards, sandstorms, and dust storms, in which high wind is the dominant meteorological element. A storm surge, sometimes called a tidal wave, is a flood of ocean or lake water that occurs in areas subject to tropical storms and bordering on shallow waters, but any strong low-pressure system in a coastal area may produce a storm surge. Storm surges are due mostly to wind, which pushes the water ahead of a storm. 

Just in case you are in a storm right now or on your way to a storm, the purpose of the sermon is to let you know that STORMS DON’T LAST ALWAYS!

I.                  The Master’s Presence (v.35-37)

·        “us” indicates His presence (35)

·        What an Assurance! (35)

·        (v.37) His presence doesn’t prevent the storm

·        His presence in the storm among his own followers demonstrates his fairness (36) other little boats were there. (Jonah was in a storm because of disobedience; the disciples were in a storm because of their obedience)

·        Due to its low-lying position in the rift valley, surrounded by hills, the sea is prone to sudden violent storms (our position-man that is born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble);

·        storms seem to be a part of life.

II.               The Men’s Panic (37)

·        (37a) storms don’t bother Jesus

·        (37b) They began to panic. They were frantic.

·        Panic led to their doubt of the Master’s care and concern for them.

III.           The Master’s Power (39)

·        (rebuked the wind) Rebuke means to admonish/charge sharply

·        (spoke to the sea) Peace (hush, be quiet, silence)

·        After the Master spoke, the elements obeyed. (this demonstrated the Master’s power and authority)

Conclusion: he has the power, he made a lame walk, he made the dumb to talk, made the blind to see…conquered death, hell and the grave.