UNTO THE MOUNTAINS: A MEDITATION ON PSALM 121

           A story is told of a man who one day in his youth found a gold coin on the street. Ever after this- he kept his eyes on the ground as he walked watching for coins. During a long life time, he found a good amount of coins but mean while he never saw the flowers and the trees, which grew in such wondrous beauty everywhere, he never saw the hills, the mountains and the sweet valleys, the picturesque landscapes; he never saw the blue skies, and the birds flying. To him this fair world meant only a dusty, dreary roads and odd places to look for coins.  What wasted years of existence without enjoying the beauty of the world?

            

            This really is the story of the life of most people. They never lift their eyes off the earth. They live only to gather money, to acquire property; or to scheme for power or to live for pleasure. They never lift up their eyes to the hills. There is no blue sky in their lives. They never cherish heavenly visions. They are absolutely without God in this world.

J. R Miller in his book Unto the Hills, notes, “Not many of us are living at our best.  We linger in the low lands because we are afraid to climb into the mountains. The steepness and ruggedness dismay us- so we stay in the misty valleys and do not learn the mystery of the mountains. We do not know what we lose, in our self-indulgence. We do not know what glory awaits us if only we had courage for the mountain climb, what blessing we would find, if only we would move to the uplands of God.”[1] Are you simply lingering on the peripheries of Christian life or dissatisfied with your mediocre existence and longing for new heights? 

As we are nearing the end of 2014, God is inviting us to come unto the mountains in the year 2015. For some the past year may have been like living in a valley, however God wants to turn that into a mountain top experience like he did with Moses. Come away unto the mountains where he has something to teach you. We would be well off to look at Psalm 121 and learn from those ancient Jewish pilgrims as thy journeyed towards Jerusalem. Let’s read Psalm 121.

BACKGROUND TO PSALM 121.

Psalm 121 is one of the fifteen psalms called “Songs of Degrees or Songs of Ascents” They were probably sung by the pilgrims as they went up to Jerusalem. This particular psalm was sung by the caravans when on the evening before entering the holy city, they encamped within sight of the mountains that made a wall round about Jerusalem. The sight of the mountains gave the pilgrims great joy, for it told them that close beneath those hill-tops nestled the city which they loved so much, with its temple of marble and gold in which God dwelt. 

More on a personal note, Psalm 121 became one of my favorites Psalm as it was often read by my father whenever his children were making a trip away from home. It gave us such assurance to know that God would go with us on our journey and keep us safe throughout and would someday bring us back home. Let me break down this Psalm for us. This Psalm contains only eight verses and carries three profound themes. Vs 1-2 Talks about God’s sovereignty. Vs3-4 talks about God’s keeping. Vs 5-8 talks about God’s protection.

I. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY (Vs 1-2)

Vs 1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.  The NASB translates, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.” I would like to spend a few minutes talking about mountains, and what role they play in our lives.

Mountains are fascinating. In my personal spiritual life mountains and hills have a great impact. I grew up in a region that boasts to have the top five tallest mountains in the world including Mount Everest. The city of Hyderabad where I ministered most of my time is 1,776 feet above the sea level, surrounded by several hills.  We lived in a place called Mahendra Hills. So naturally, those hills became one of my favorite destinations in the mornings for my quiet time and prayer. This is where I learned most of my faith lessons and practiced my spiritual lessons of trust, spiritual warfare, waiting on God, giving up rights, contentment and patience.

In the ancient times mountains had a remarkable influence on the minds of people. They played a large role in the Bible story. For example: After the flood the Ark of Noah rested upon the mountains of Ararat (Gen 8:4) Abraham’s faith was tested when he offered his only son Isaac on the mountain Moriah. Till today “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” On Mount Moriah that the temple was built. On Mount Sinai God gave the law to Moses.

Mountains and hills played a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus. After spending a whole night on a mountain he chose his twelve disciples. It was on a mountain Jesus delivered His famous speech of “The Beatitudes” On Mount Hermon Jesus was transfigured. He was crucified on a hill called Golgotha. On a mountain in Galilee he gave the great commission to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. It is noted in the gospels that Jesus used to withdraw himself alone into the mountains to be with His father.

The Mount of Olives was where he stood last as he ascended to heaven. One day, on the day of his return, the scripture tells us in Zechariah 14:4, “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives which is in front of Jerusalem on the east and the Mount of Olives will be split.” What a glorious day that would be for all those who are waiting for His return. It would be beneficial to do a word study on “The Mountains” in the Bible.

Coming back to our passage. The sight of a hill or mountain made devout Jews think of God.  That was the thought behind these two verses, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains where else my help comes from, my help comes from the maker of heaven and earth.” The Hebrew word “Nasa” occurs more than 650 times in the OT. Which means, “to raise, to lift up (the face, the eyes, the voice, or the soul).

Lifting up his eyes to the mountains the Psalmist was reminded of God’s sovereignty and his righteousness as it was compared to a mighty mountain in Psalm 36:6.The Mountains were symbols of God’s everlasting love. They were meant to bring peace, and provide refuge in times of trouble. King David fled to the mountains numerous times when he was haunted by his enemies.  In Psalm 55:6 he exhorts the haunted soul to flee like a bird to its mountain.

Mountains also represent obstacles we face in life, in the line of pursuing God. Jesus exhorts us to speak to those mountains by faith and they will be removed from our path (Mark 11:23) God credits, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news on the mountains. All in all the mountains were an integral part in the lives of Israelites.  They not only reminded them of God’s greatness and glory but also God’s stern dealings with them as a nation whenever they turned their backs away from Him. The Psalmist when he was in trouble, did not look to people for help but lifted his eyes to the mountains for he knew from where he would get help. Where do you look when you are in trouble? Who do you turn to in times of sorrow? That brings us to the next theme in the Psalm which is God’s keeping.

II. GOD’S KEEPING (Vs 3-4)

Vs 3-4, “He will not allow your foot to slip. He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.” There is nothing more serious and fatal than slipping your foot while climbing a mountain especially a steep icy mountain. Modern day mountain climbing gear includes special boots. They are typically designed to be used with crampons. These special boots are life savers, they keep your foot from slipping.

In the spiritual life slipping of foot sometimes viewed as a type of misfortune. Once in India I was going up to my place on a bicycle. It was so steep I had to get down and push my bicycle. On the side of the hill I saw a path, I thought this would take me up to the top of the hill. So I got side tracked and got on to that path, but in the end instead of going up, I went down all the way to the bottom of the hill where I started. A hard lesson learned.

Similarly in our journey one wrong step or a misstep of faith can get us off track and make us fall down. But God’s care extends even to the feet of his children. He would not let our foot slip. Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD; and He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand (he sustains him with his hand.) This scripture does not guarantee us that we would never fall, but when we fall we fall into the safest and strongest hands of God that hold us firmly.

No doubt, there are many dangers on the path of God’s children, but those who look to the mountains will not be overwhelmed by them because God keeps his foot from slipping. But those who look to people do not come under God’s keeping. So the safest place to look is unto the Mountains. This brings us to the third theme; protection.

III. GOD’S PROTECTION: (Vs 5-8)

Vs 5-8 “The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” These few verses explain the overall protection of God of His children. It touches all aspects and covers all dimensions and all stages of life.

It is a life time protection from all the known and the unknown dangers. It is better than the ADT protection the companies seem to provide; because it doesn't cost God’s children anything except trusting in his care and protection. These scriptures promise us God’s daily protection, not only today but all the days of our lives. God promises not just to protect us from some but from all evil. You may be wondering Pastor, we are not surrounded by mountains like the Israelites did so where can we go when you say “Unto the Mountains”? Well we don’t have to run to a literal mountain, God becomes our mountain through Jesus.

We can reach God through Jesus and by coming to His Church.  Paul writing to the Hebrews reminds them of this fact. Hebrews 12:22-24, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

In conclusion, lifting our eyes unto the mountain is in essence lifting our eyes to God. We can only reach God through Jesus who said, “I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the father except through me. If you want your 2015 to be a year of fruitfulness, and successful, come to Jesus.  Surrender your life to Him. Let Him hold all the things that hold you, let him have all your pain and He will satisfy your soul   with good things.  My question to you is; have you lifted your eyes Unto the Mountains, where on top Christ is standing with his arms wide open to receive you and fill you with His peace and abundant love? Amen

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[1] Unto the Hills, J.R Miller, Page 10

YOUR PLACE ON GOD'S DREAM TEAM II (Romans 12:4-8)

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season. It is the time when we focus on Christ coming to the world. God had a plan to redeem His people. He declared His plan to His prophets over the centuries and is fulfilling His Word even now. Advent is a beautiful season of reflection and anticipation. In our quitter moments, we sometimes are confronted with two questions: What have I done with my life? and What will I do with the rest of my life? These questions are not so much in regards to the details of life, what jobs we had, where we lived or what our college roommate will be like next year or who will we marry. Rather, we ask them in search of the significant purpose of our lives.

Advent is a time for asking the big questions of life, though this season tends to crowd out the quiet spaces, making us tired and worn out, and leaving us no room for reflection, let’s try to make room for some reflection. When you do find such time; ask this one big question of your life. What is God’s plan for me personally? Where do I fit in God’s overall purpose?

Two weeks ago we started talking about finding, “Your Place on God’s Dream Team.” I shared about how to assess our true potential, in order to know our true potential we need to employ sober judgment from Romans 12:1-3, Paul exhorted the Roman believers saying, “As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all.” J.B Philips. We learned that sober judgment means to have a sane estimation of our gifts, capabilities and weaknesses. Which means not to overestimate or under estimate our gifts, instead we take a realistic view of ourselves. After exhorting the believers not to have an elevated view of oneself, he compares human body, to church the body of Christ, whose head is the Lord Jesus himself.

I. MANY PARTS BUT ONE BODY (Vs 4-5)         

“For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another (mutually dependent on one another) (AMP). The scriptures tell us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  The human body is a complete wonder. Here are a couple of facts about the human body:

The human body is estimated to have 60,000 miles of blood vessels. To put that in perspective, the distance around the earth is about 25,000 miles, making the distance your blood vessels could travel if laid end to end more than two times around the earth. Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour. Ever wonder how you can react so fast to things around you or why that stubbed toe hurts right away? It’s due to the super speedy movement of nerve impulses from your brain to the rest of your body and vice versa, bringing reactions at the speed of a high powered luxury sports car.[1]

In our passage in Romans 12: 4-5, the Apostle Paul uses the graphic example of the human body. Why human body? There are three points from this analogy we can observe. First, the body represents completeness, a whole, a totality but a totality made up of different parts. Similarly, we who make up the body of Christ have different functions. We are not all the same. We are gifted in different ways. Just as the physical body needs hands, feet, ears and eyes to enable it to function properly, so the body of Christ needs those with different gifts to enable it to function properly. We are to have unity through diversity. Isn't it wonderful to know that we all don’t have to behave just alike? It is perfectly OK to be different.

Secondly, we see in this analogy we don’t have to do it all by ourselves.” We do our part and we will let others do their part. In the end together we will get the job done. Together we will do the work of the ministry for the Lord.  Thirdly Paul emphasizes our mutual dependence in the Body of Christ. We really need each other. No member of Christ’s body can go off on a desert island and be a victorious Christian all by herself. God has purposefully made us so that we are incomplete without the ministry of other brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.

It is important to recognize that it is God who has arranged all the body parts as he saw it fit in our physical body. Similarly God has placed different members in the body of Christ and blessed them with different gifts. Though we are individually separated from each other spiritually we are all interconnected and interdependent of one another. Let’s look at what those various gifts are and how each of those gifts corresponds to a part of the physical body.

II. DIVERSE GIFTS BUT ONE GIVER (Vs 6-8)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  We see in this passage seven different gifts mentioned:  1. Prophecy (perceiver) 2. Server. 3 Teacher. 4. Exhorter (encouragement) 5. Giver 6. Leader (Administration) 7. Compassion person. Don & Katie Fortune in their book “Discovering Your God given gifts.” compares these seven gifts to seven part of human body. Perceiver (the eye of the body). Server (the hands of the body).Teacher (the mind of the body). Exhorter (the mouth of the body). Giver (the arms of the body). Leader/Administration (the shoulders of the body). Compassion person: (the heart of the body).[2] 

Let’s take a moment and identify where your place might be in the body of Christ; God’s Dream team! Whatever place you might find yourself in that is a very important place.We can put all these seven gifts into two broad categories. I Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

According to this scripture there are two basic categories of gifts: the speaking gifts and serving gifts.The first four gifts (Teacher, Perceiver, Exhorter, and Leader) can be placed under speaking gifts. The other three (Compassion Person, Giver and Server) can be placed under serving gifts. If we look around in our church each of us can either fall into one of the two categories. But it doesn't really matter which category you may fall into, the bottom line of these gifts is that they were not meant for ourselves but to use them to serve others. How do we do that? We do it cheerfully and by the strength God gives us so that in everything God may be praised through Jesus Christ. When we all faithfully function to our fullest potential; our church body will become healthier and more productive for God’s glory.

Let’s pause for a while and reflect on our own lives! Have we recognized the gifts that God has given us? If so how have we used those gifts, did we use them to serve others? Have we become the dispensers of God’s grace through our gifts? Have we brought glory to God through our gifts? Remember; whatever gift you may have received you did not deserve it; God gave it to you out of His own will; so that none of us can boast about our gifts. He gave those gifts so that we might work together in building His Kingdom in Quincy and beyond.

In closing, there are different members in the body empowered with different gifts by the same God who freely chose to give those gifts to us. The purpose of gifts has always been will always meant to be for serving one another and building up of the body of Christ. God desires that we all grow up, become mature and become men and women, by attaining the fullness of Christ and the completeness found in Him.  Let’s be clear on one thing; none of us can attain to that stature all by ourselves; we need each other in the body of Christ. We all are connected to the rest of the Body of Christ; God’s dream Team.

This morning before you leave this service, I want you to understand that God has a plan God has a plan for you and a place for you in His Dream Team. Don’t settle for less than what God has for you. Do you realize that you are part of a Championship Team? You are a part of His Body on earth, in other words you represent Him. You actually become His Hands, His Feet, His voice, His heart, His Eyes and His healing agent wherever you are, whoever you talk too…. What an awesome responsibility to know God’s plan and our part on His Dream Team. Amen

           

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[1] http://www.lifesmith.com/VHS%20Web/humanbody.html

[2] Don & Katie Fortune, “Discovering your God Given Gifts”, page 37

YOUR PLACE ON GOD'S DREAM TEAM: Part I (Romans 12:1-8)

            There is within each of us a longing to be useful, to be needed and belong, a desire to contribute to the needs of others in a meaningful way, a passion to be significant and make a difference in our society, a hunger to be part of something important and big. And yet we so often feel unworthy, unimportant, useless, rejected, inadequate and insignificant. Have you felt like that any time? Perhaps some of you are feeling like that right now. If you are, then you have company. In the Animated film (Antz 1998), the main character is Z-4195 (Woody Allen), or "Z" for short, a neurotic and pessimistic worker ant living in a wholly totalitarian society without any individuality. In his opening monologue, he complained about his insignificant life during therapy to his psychologist. Listen to his complaint: Play the YouTube clip. At the end of the session (Paul Mazursky), who was the psychologist, concluded their discussion with the statement that Zee had made a break-through: ("Yes, Z, you are insignificant"):

In this world unless you are an A+ type the system disregards you. Just like the worker Ant Z, the system can make anyone feel insignificant. But that is not how God operates. He sees everyone with value and dignity because all human beings are made in His image. In fact God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. We serve an unchanging God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His character and calling never changes. I would like to talk about, “Your place on God’s Dream Team. I was inspired by this teaching in a LEAD conference I recently attended. I met the speaker Tony Cooke and asked his permission if I could bring this teaching to our Church, and he said he would be honored if I did. So let’s begin by reading Romans 12:1-8, which deals with how to assess our true potential; how God looks at us and how He empowered us with gifts.

BACKGROUND:

The Book of Romans is deep in theology and rich in practical Christian living. The first 11 chapters deal with the total depravity of man, God’s wrath, judgment, His faithfulness, Israel’s role in God’s plan of salvation, Israel’s disobedience and their eventual turning to God. At the end of chapter 11, Paul pronounces the Doxology, normally one would think that is the end right? That’s not the end of the letter, he dedicated the next four chapters 12-16, explaining how God has set us free from the power of sin, given us a new life and has returned us to a right relationship with Him and how we should live this new found Christian life.

Chapter 12:1-3 talks about our spiritual act of worship which is to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.  Then he says that we must not continue to live the way we used to live before we became followers of Christ. We must break the old patterns of life. How could that be possible? The only way it is possible is by being transformed by the renewal of our minds. He goes on to explain how we can break one of the wrong patterns of this world which is boasting or arrogance or pride. He called the Roman believers to employ sober judgment when it comes to assessing their own capabilities. What is Sober Judgment?

I.       SOBER JUDGEMENT (Vs 3)

“As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all.” J.B Philips. Paul here is warning the Roman believers against arrogance. It is apparent that some in that church had more visible gifts and whereas some had gifts that were frequently done in secret.

Paul recognized that they were comparing themselves with each other, he wanted to warn them against continuing in that mindset. We live in a culture where a lot of people “Blow their own horns” They brag about their achievements and abilities. Have you been around people who boast about their studies, how many countries they have visited and all their great accomplishments, after a while it kind of gets tiring to be around such people, isn’t it?  I’ve heard someone saying, “You fake it until you make it” Really! It is common for us to measure ourselves against others. We do it constantly, how much money we make compared to others, how thin we are compared to others, what brand clothes we wear or what houses we live in, what type of cars we drive, and what leadership positions we have in the church.

Sometimes when we meet people in our mind we can be quickly tallying ourselves versus them to see who comes out on top. (I can remember at times doing this.) Whereas Paul here is saying to us that we are not to overestimate ourselves and become proud and look down on others or underestimate ourselves like the worker AntZ and feel insignificant, instead measure ourselves with sober judgment.  What does that mean? It means to have a sane estimation of our gifts, capabilities and weaknesses. People who are humble have a realistic view of themselves, they know their strengths but are equally aware of their weaknesses and their needs.

Obviously Paul is aware of this bragging, so he calls us to be wary of thinking too high of ourselves and our gifts. In simple words, he is telling us to stop tooting our own horn and let others speak well of us and our gifts. Let’s face it boasting is a BIG problem in our time isn't it? Consider the definition of "boasting or bragging": “talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.” Another word for boasting is arrogance which means, “Exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner, showing an offensive attitude of superiority.”

What does God say about boasting? He hates it, Psalms 94.4 explains "They babble and speak arrogantly; All the wrongdoers brag about themselves." Psalm 5:5 “Boasters can have no standing in your sight; you abhor all evildoers.” (AMP) Proverbs 6:17, six things God hates and one of them is “A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others]

Boasting about ourselves is never from God but of the devil and of the world. “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.”  I John 2:15-17 The Message

Let’s face it, what is that you think you have, that is not been given to you by God. When it comes to think of it, there is absolutely nothing. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. James 1:17

All the gifts and talents we have, have been given to us by our father in heaven. We are to thank Him for those gifts and remain humble and use them to serve others in the body of Christ instead of using them to meet our own selfish needs. Sober judgment means not to overestimate or underestimate our capabilities. Underestimating is what many struggle with in this world.

Do you underestimate yourself, doubt yourself and you feel insignificant? If you do I have good news for you, you are not alone, you are in the company of a great cloud of witnesses whom the bible calls the heroes of faith, and they too have felt the way you might be feeling today. History tells us that God used people the most when, they came to an end of themselves and recognized that they couldn't do it on their own.

Here are some of the Biblical characters who felt they weren't quite cut for the job: Noah must have felt ridiculed and mocked while building the Ark. Abraham felt too old when he was told that he would have a son at age 75.  Jacob was afraid of his brother Esau. Moses said he was dumb and not eloquent in speech. Gideon said he was the youngest and his clan was the least among the tribe. Elijah after taking on 400 false prophets of Baal single handedly, ran for his life because of a threat from Jezebel, sat under a broom tree prayed that he might die.

What one thing was common among all these people? When they saw themselves from their own perspective and through the eyes of the system of their time, they felt afraid, inadequate, in secured, rejected, less important and insignificant. But God had a different assessment of them; he saw their faith, and the determination to follow Him regardless, that’s why Hebrew 11:6 reads, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” I wonder what God would say of us today, would he be ashamed or proud of us?

In conclusion, sober judgment means to have a sane estimation of our gifts, capabilities and weaknesses. How do you assess yourself today? You may be wondering, I am an A type personality, and a high achiever is there a place for me in God’s Dream Team? Of course you have a place; God uses high achievers like the Apostle Paul who was a Harvard grad of his time. But there is absolutely no place for the boastful or arrogant in God’s Dream Team. Some here may be wondering well I am an average Joe; I don’t have all those degrees; I am just an ordinary person; is there a place for me; yes indeed; there is a place for you; and you belong.

God often uses broken people in fact we all are broken one way or the other. He uses the insignificant and the uneducated alike just as he used the Apostle Peter who was a fisherman. Unlike the championship teams of this world; there is place for everyone on God’s Dream Team; we will continue next week to find out what is “Your place on God’s Dream Team. Amen

IT'S TIME TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES: Nehemiah 2:11-18

There once was a thriving little church in the country. Internal squabbles developed that tore the church apart. Attendance dwindled until the church died. It time a middle-class neighborhood grew up around the church. One day a newcomer, tired of looking at the run down church, started to paint & clean the old church. Some former members came by to watch. They sat in the old dusty pews and told stories about Sunday night hymn singing, or the pot luck dinners. Oddly, no one mentioned the squabbles.

They rolled up their sleeves, started to help clean up the old place. Leaders of the homeowners association laughed at the idea of a church in their community, but the old members persisted. Within weeks they resumed hymn singing and pot luck dinners. The church bells started to ring and the Songs of praise could be heard Sunday mornings and evenings. Folks in the neighborhood who had never attended the church began to come by. God saw it all and it was very good. Thankfully, that is not yet the case of our church, but if we are not careful what happened to that church could happen to our church too. However I have been sensing that the spiritual walls of our church have been broken down and we are trying to rebuild those walls.

Last week we learned how Nehemiah saw a similar scene when he returned to Jerusalem in 445 BC. Most of the city lay in ruin. The walls were broken and burned. He shared his God-given vision and the people responded. It all began, in the place of prayer. Nehemiah became an answer to his own prayer, not only that, he motivated an entire community to be part of the answer. Let’s continue from where we left and see how, a community of people rolled up their sleeves and rebuilt the broken walls of Jerusalem. It’s Time to Roll Up Our Sleeves!   Nehemiah 2:11-18

Upon hearing the devastating news of the destruction of Jerusalem, the place of his forefathers, Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed for several days to get a strategy on how to rebuild the broken down walls and the burnt down gates. He earnestly sought God’s favor. In the 2^nd Chapter Vs 1-10 we see God’s favor by the way the King granted him letters to obtain safety throughout his journey as well as the needed material to rebuild the walls.  In Vs 11 we pick up the story: Nehemiah reaches Jerusalem after being there for three days, he gets up one night with a few men and examines the damage to the walls.

After the careful examination he comes before a group of officials, priests and the nobles and relates how desolate the city of Jerusalem has become been and how its gates were burned with fire. Then Vs 17-18, “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace… They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.”  They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.”  (The Message)                        

People roll up their sleeves for various reasons. Here are a few pictures of those who rolled up their sleeves. I am more impressed with a congregation who came together in times of crisis. Let me introduce them who stood undeterred in the midst of a natural calamity. Here is the photo of the congregation members gathering in front of the Carl Junction United Methodist Church in Carl Junction, Mo., on Aug. 7, hours after it was struck by lightning and burned. This is the second time the Carl Junction United Methodist Church has been destroyed. On May 4, 2003, a tornado wrecked the church as it tore through Missouri, ripping off the roof and destroying the interior.

After the 2003 devastation, one member said, “We all had one purpose in mind and one goal, which was to rebuild, to make the church stronger and better than it was before.” Lo and behold, the church was rebuilt and reopened in 2004, with a larger sanctuary and dedicated classrooms. Now, a decade later, the congregation must raise yet another church. Has the determination of the pastor and the congregation weaned? No way, this time, the church leaned on the rest of the community. The support has come quickly, as other religious organizations pulled together planned a prayer vigil for the congregation the day of the fire itself. One member said, “It’s going to be a start from scratch,” “But we can do it. We will do it.”[1]

This is just one example where a whole community came together to rebuild a burnt down church, literally from the ashes. By God’s grace we are not facing the same situation, however our problem has been the deterioration of spiritual health which is resulting in declining membership, and their participation in the life flow of our church. Six years ago we have launched a vision, “To build a diverse community that loves God and shares the gospel with people of all ethnic groups in Quincy and beyond.”

We felt that was the mandate of God for our church. How have we fared as a church since then? We have kept ourselves busy with ministries such as Sunday worship service; Kid’s church; Hospital visitation; Adult Bible Study; Wednesday Prayer meeting; Thursday Bible study; Media ministry; Missions; Hospitality and Community Friday Night. With all these ministries it seemed like our church was growing and thriving up until 2010, but since then we had one set back after another and we began to decline.  For a pastor that raises a red flag.

I sought the Lord for understanding in prayer. The Lord showed me that we have allowed certain factors to destroy the spiritual walls of our Church. So just like Nehemiah, along with the leadership of this Church we have been on a journey to assess the damage and strategically rebuild the spiritual walls of defense and protection. That’s why we have taken certain disciplinary actions, organized a Biblical Peace Making seminar, and formed a Church Health Team (introduce the team) which will be implementing a process, recommended by the Natural Church Development organization.

Having said that, no matter whatever the strategy that the leadership may have, that itself  cannot do much, unless the whole congregation rolls up their sleeves and join hands in doing the good work.  One preacher compared the New England churches to a football team where 22 players desperately needing rest, cheered by 70,000 fans desperately needing exercise.”

Thank God in our Church there have been a few people who tirelessly serve week after week, while others just don’t lift a hand I want you to ask this question, have I been a spectator, consumer, or an active participant in this church? If you are wondering what some ways that you might get involved, here are a few:  We need staff to revitalize our nursery, we need singers and musicians to strengthen our worship team. We need English teachers to team up with Leo in teaching English to the Chinese immigrants.

We need ushers, multimedia people, sound technicians, painters, and people to serve in the area of hospitality, people to set up and clean up after the coffee hour each Sunday and in other areas of service.

I believe learning lessons from the book of Nehemiah is a really important theme for us as a church at this junction.   Nehemiah is a great example in motivating a community of people in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem. In spite of opposition Nehemiah, and all the people who said, “let’s roll up our sleeves and start rebuilding” finished the work in 52 days.

When we think of our Church, we need to be honest about where we are at, some of us have given so much to this church and you may have become discouraged and tired.  Others may have been attending our church for a while but haven’t yet gotten involved in serving.

I want to say to those who are feeling whether they belong here or not, there is a place for you to get involved, take the next step, and be part of the rebuilding of this community.  What do you think all the gathering and listening is for?  It is meant for you to grow in faith and Christian character so that you can put your hands to the good work of serving the Lord.

Can you imagine what this church would be like if we could all receive each other as dearly loved ones, and we are!!  What would we grow to be like if we could value and affirm the gifts in each other?  What if we could learn that it’s not all about me and my opinion but about the greater good, what if we could lay aside our annoyances and work together?

I am thinking of such an opportunity with the Christmas season coming up. What do you think?  Can we work together to celebrate Christmas in a way that brings us together as a Body?  Can we work together to touch lives with the love of God? I would love to see some of you who have started attending more recently, you have amazing gifts and experiences that you need to start using to build up this church!   You know what; I really think that a lot of growth takes place when we start interacting at the level of serving together. So is it about time that you roll up your sleeves and put your hands to the good work of God in this church. Amen

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[1] http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-missouri-church-lightning-20140809-story.html

ALIENS AND STRANGERS: I Peter 1:1 & 2:10-12

                                                                   

         "One day a space ship landed in the middle of a huge field just outside a small, rural community. The aliens looked friendly enough, so some farmers cautiously approached them, hoping to establish a good relationship with them. The aliens greeted the earthlings warmly and said, “We are on a mission from the planet Zuron of the galaxy Andromeda. We have been assigned to explore your planet and to discover what you have learned. We are here to learn as much as we can about the planet earth. So tell us, has anything significant happened here on earth that you can tell us about?”

The farmers thought for a moment and then one spoke up and said, “Well, we have radio and TV! We can send radio and microwave signals all over the planet using satellites.” The aliens replied, “Oh, well we have had that for thousands of years. In fact, that technology has become quite obsolete. What else has happened?” Again, the farmers scratched their heads and one said, “We have developed computers that can process information in seconds that used to take years. And these computers are small enough to be carried in a briefcase!”

“Well, that’s old news, too,” said the aliens. “Hasn’t anything extraordinary happened here?” The farmers were still thinking when one of the aliens asked, “We have heard a rumor that God visited your planet many years ago. Is this rumor true?” “Well, there was a man named Jesus Christ. He claimed.. “Yes! That’s it! Jesus Christ! Did he really come?” the aliens asked excitedly. “Yes,” said the farmers, “but…”“What an extraordinary thing! What a wonderful thing!” exclaimed the aliens. “Tell us, what did you do when God visited your planet? Did you bring gifts and throw them at his feet?

Did you run the streets celebrating and singing? Did all the world finally realize how much he loves them? Please, tell us, what did you do?” The farmers pondered for a moment and then sheepishly said, “Um…we killed him.” Chances are you may have seen one or two movies or TV shows about aliens. And these movies investigate the possibility of the existence of extraterrestrial life forms. But did you know that the real aliens have already landed here on earth? Who are these real aliens you may ask. Well, that is a great question, tonight, I’m going to talk about the real aliens and strangers. I Peter 1:1, 2:11-12

Before we dig deeper a bit of background information is necessary to understand I Peter. So, what do we know about, the author, the theme and the context in which it was written?  As the title suggests it was written by none other than the apostle Peter. This letter was written around 60 A.D. Peter’s first letter is one of the seven general letters and is addressed to the five Roman provinces of Asia Minor. The occasion for writing was persecution in the area, and was addressed to Christians who were suffering for being Christians.

The letter was intended to encourage and equip the readers for the difficult times ahead. The dominant theme is hope. It was written to remind the believers in this world they are truly the aliens and strangers, while they pass through this life they are to put their hope in a more permanent world to come.

The hope found in Peter is the strong hope that rests not on man but on God, the living and the loving God who is known by his mighty acts. In this country we may not experience the same persecution other Christians are experiencing in countries like India, Iraq or North Kore, we may experience ridicule and humiliation for just being Christians and we hold on to different values and standards. The first letter of Peter helps us how to cope with when we are persecuted. Let’s begin our study.

ALIENS & STRANGERS

Any good letter has three sections, the opening, the body and the closing. The First Epistle according to Peter is a letter, so this too contains an opening, the body of content and closing remarks. After asserting his position as the apostle of Jesus Christ Peter reminds the believers of their position. I Pet 1:1, “Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen.”  He reaffirms their position again in I Pet 2:11, “Beloved I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.”

When we read the Bible; at times we skip or gloss over certain words or passages. The Words Aliens and Strangers are some of them. The words aliens, stranger or foreigner occur over 150 times in the Bible. Peter employs these words twice in his first letter. Why did Peter call them aliens and strangers?

Let’s pause and look at the words “aliens and strangers and their intended purpose and meaning. In the Bible the word alien was used to distinguish the natives from the people of other lands and also show separation between the Jews and the non Jews. Peter addressed believers as aliens and strangers to remind them of the troubles of their forefathers in foreign lands. While they endure hardships they were to make the most of their time in that place by engaging the culture instead of isolating from it. But above all he wanted them to know that they were not permanent citizens of this world but belonged another world an eternal one.

Soong Chan Rah in his Book “Many Colors” explains the in-depth meaning of these words. “The words Aliens and Strangers may have a similar connotation but the words do not have the exact same meaning. Stranger means complete separation from the World. A stranger should have nothing to do with the world, may be even should exhibit hostility toward it. Strangers have no stake or concern with what is going on in the world, rejecting its systems.

Aliens however, would not necessarily imply being a complete stranger. In fact, one way of interpreting alien would be as an immigrant. An immigrant or resident alien interacts differently with society than does a stranger to that society. A stranger may seek to completely disengage from the culture, while the immigrant would seek ways to engage with that society. A stranger would take on the posture of Christ against culture while an immigrant may not assume such a hostile position.[1]

How do these words apply to us today? Ar we Aliens & Strangers? On two counts yes. Firstly we are aliens because we are living in a different country. Secondly, we are aliens because our citizenship is in heaven. The first part does not much explanation. So let me explain the second part of us being Aliens.

From the patriarch Abraham till today the heroes of faith in Christ have always lived as if they were aliens in this world. They have considered themselves as temporary residents or sojourners who are just passing through this world heading to a far more permanent place called heaven. Accordingly they lived simple and unattached lives on earth. It is said of them that they were strangers, and exiles on the earth…they are seeking a country of their own…they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God for He has prepared a city for them.”(Hebrew 11:13-16)

When we are called to follow Christ we are called to an alien status. We are to live as if we don’t belong here. What a freeing thought that is? It frees us from all the unnecessary burdens we carry and all the entanglements we get ourselves into. It doesn’t mean we should not work or do anything for living and entertainment.

In fact we are called to seek the welfare of the city and pray (and work) for its prosperity where in which we will find our own prosperity. We are to be integrated in the society and not to be isolated from it. Being an alien doesn’t mean that you are so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly use. On the contrary as we wait for our heavenly city we have a job to do to make the earth a much better place to live. The world needs Christians living out authentic lives

We are not only aliens but also strangers. In the early Church people behaved rather strangely, in order to stay away from sin they would totally cut themselves away from the world and live in forests and deserts. The word stranger here doesn’t mean weird and wacky (acting crazy) it means detached or separated.

What are we to be separated from? Not from the people and not definitely from the world, but from sin! While we still live in the world we consciously make efforts to detach ourselves from sin. In Hebrew 12:1, we read, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that finders and the sin that so easily entangles. Peter explains how we are to live as we live here on earth as aliens and strangers, and as we wait for our Lord’s return. 

We are to live such good lives among the pagans. Through the way we love over wives, respect our husbands and raise our children in the fear of God. The way we do an excellent job at our work place. By the way we contribute to the needs of the community. By seeing our good deeds those who do not know God will glorify God. The early pilgrims were great examples in maintaining this status of both being aliens and strangers. As aliens they exhibited great work ethics as strangers they maintained high moral standards. So let’s resolve today to live like the Real Aliens & Strangers in this world. Amen

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[1] Soong Chan Rah, Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church, Page 68

Father Heart of God: Hosea 11:1-12

            Ken Druck in his book “The Secrets Men Keep” discusses six major secrets men have. At the top of the list is that "men secretly yearn for their father’s love and approval." The authors say: It may surprise us to know that the most powerful common denominator influencing men’s lives today is the relationship we had with our fathers.... Of the hundreds of men I have surveyed over the years, perhaps 90 percent admitted they still had strings leading back to their fathers. In other words, they are still looking to their fathers, even though their fathers may have been dead for years, for approval, acceptance, affection, and understanding.” 

Are the men only ones with a yearning for their father’s love and approval? In her book Like Father, Like Daughter, Suzanne Fields presents the results of her interviews with hundreds of women. The central thesis of her research was "Daddy hides, and we forever seek him, only occasionally flushing him out of his hiding places.”

These two authors seem to highlight an inherent need of both men and women for the love and approval of their fathers. This craving for the affirmation, affection, discipline, protection, leadership, and unconditional acceptance should primarily come from a dad, unfortunately for many it may not have been the case. Hence we grow up with resentment and are unfulfilled, yet we continue to seek to meet those needs.

The scriptures say that God is our Father, Let’s see how God expressed his father’s heart to a group of people who though wanted that love yet constantly turned away from the Father who loved them with an unconditional and everlasting love. Read Hosea 11:1-12

BACKGROUND: Hosea was the last prophet in Israel. He preached during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753) B.C His mission was to call the nation of Israel to repent. Upon God’s command Hosea marries Gomer who was practicing harlotry. Just like Gomer was found unfaithful to Hosea, the children of Israel too were unfaithful to God. Hosea pursued his unfaithful wife with a love similar to the love with which God persuaded unfaithful Israel.

Though the nation of Israel was turning away from God; he loved them intensely. God’s father’s heart was broken by their constant backsliding. In spite of all that God’s love was enduring and He never gave up on them. The prophet Hosea so graphically illustrates God’s intense love, his broken heart and His endurance with the nation of Israel in this chapter.

I. GOD’S INTENSE LOVE (Vs 1-4)

Vs 1. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”  The first part of the verse indicates that God loved the nation of Israel from its infant stage. The words “my son” indicate an intimate father and son relationship that God wants to enjoy not only with Israel, but also with all those who believes in His son Jesus Christ. In John 1:12, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Just like a Jewish father God expresses His intense love to the nation of Israel by teaching, providing, healing and caring for all their needs. Vs 3-4 “I led Ephraim. I rescued him from human bondage, But he never acknowledged my help, never admitted that I was the one pulling his wagon, that I lifted him, like a baby, to my cheek, that I bent down to feed him.”You may be wondering why five times the author had to mention I, well without any doubt God wanted Israel to know that it was indeed Him who had done the teaching, caring and healing all the way from Egypt until they reached the Promised Land.

The author uses down to earth terms and portrays a scene to express God’s fatherly love and concern for his people, such a scene would be familiar to any family. A father who is absorbed in coaxing and supporting the child’s first staggering steps. I am familiar with this kind of fatherly role. I remember how I used to enjoy helping my three daughters when they started to walk. I would hold them by their arms and walk with them. Pick them up and comfort them when they fell and hurt themselves. I also remember how I would carry them and coax them to eat.  Not to mention the hours that I stayed at their bedside when they were sick.

We thank God for our fathers and mothers who loved us otherwise most of us wouldn't be here today. I understand that some of us may not have had such loving parents as a result find it hard to relate to a loving heavenly father who loves us intensely and unconditionally. Would it be possible even after receiving love and affection from parents that some children turn their backs on their parents?  It happened to Israelites, and it could happen to us too. V 5-7 shows God’s broken heart over a nation that was backslidden.

II.  GOD’S BROKEN HEART (Vs 5-7)

In the passage we read, we see the hidden hand of God from the inception of the nation of Israel, until today yet many have failed to recognize God as their father. Over and over again they rebelled against Him, turned their backs on Him, they served false gods that are not gods but demons. Vs 5-7 depicts the broken heart of God over his obstinate children.

Vs 7 says, “My people are bent on turning from Me.” In the Message Bible it reads, “My people are hell-bent on leaving me. They pray to god Baal for help. He doesn’t lift a finger to help them.” Israel’s backsliding grieved God’s heart.  Malachi 3:7, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?”

Similarly, we too have taken God’s love for granted. Just because we do not see him with our physical eyes it doesn't mean he is not involved in our lives. God is the one who gave us birth and breath to live. He sends rain, and sunshine for man to cultivate the earth and live. He gives wisdom and skills to man so that through science and technology man can do wonders.

When we are sick he sends his word and heals us. Above all he sent his only son Jesus to redeem us from sin and death so that we can live with him forever in eternity. In spite of all these favors done to us isn't it shameful that mankind continues to reject God’s love? When God calls them to turn to Him, they ignore His call? How does God respond to this backsliding of the human heart? Does he give up on his people forever? No, our earthly parents may stop loving us but God our heavenly father never stop loving his children.

III. GOD’S ENDURING LOVE: (Vs 8-12)

These verses bring forth the all compassionate, all loving father heart of God. In spite of Israel’s constant refusal and backsliding, God the father refuses to let them go. In Vs 8-9 “But how can I give up on you, Ephraim? How can I turn you loose, Israel? How can I leave you to be ruined like Admah, devastated like luckless Zeboim? I can’t bear to even think such thoughts.
My insides churn in protest. And so I’m not going to act on my anger. I’m not going to destroy Ephraim. And why? Because I am God and not a human. I’m The Holy One and I’m here—in your very midst. In spite of all their stubbornness and rebellion the nation of Israel still exists today, it is because of this promise God made to them through the prophet Hosea.

Similarly, if only God moved in anger and executed His wrath upon us for all our rejection of Him and stubbornness, none of us would be here today. Then what is it that holds his wrath back from us? It is his enduring love, it is his compassion and it is his mercy. The entire Psalm of 136 talks about God’s enduring love.

No doubt His love endures forever; it doesn't mean that he is going to put up with us forever for our nonsense and mess that we have created for ourselves. There will come a day God’s patience will come to an end. That’s is then Jesus will come back to this world for the second time but this time not to save the world but judge the living and the dead. Most of us have known Jesus as the good shepherded, but we have not yet seen the other side of Him, for He is the roaring lion.

The Prophet Hosea rightly describes God’s wrath towards his obstinate children in Vs 10, “He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar; and His sons will come from the west. They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, and doves from the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses declares the Lord.” This scripture has two meanings: One is God settling the Israelites in their home land after having been scattered all over the world, and the deeper meaning is God settling His people in their heavenly home when they return to him in humility and repentance. 

What can we learn from this passage? Firstly God is our father and He loves us intensely. Secondly his heart is broken when we turn our backs on Him. Thirdly instead of dealing with us as our sins deserve, He is patient with us and loves us with His enduring love. What should be our response to such a loving father? Where are you today in your heart? Are you in need of a touch from a loving heavenly father? He is pleased when his children say to him, father we are sorry for our rebellion, selfishness, disobedience, pride and independence, and we want to come back to you and follow you with all our hearts, please accept us back again. Amen

                                                             

                                                                                                       

WHO IS IN CHARGE? (Luke 8:22-25)

A seagoing captain commanded a passenger ship that was sailing from Liverpool, England, to New York. His family was on board with him. One night when everyone was asleep, a squall unexpectedly swept over the waters and tossed the ship violently, awakening the passengers. They were all terribly afraid because of the storm. The captain's little 8-year-old girl was also awakened. 'What's the matter?" cried the frightened child. Her mother told her that a sudden storm had struck the ship. 'Is Father on deck?" she asked. 'Yes, Father's on deck," came the encouraging answer. Hearing this, the little girl snuggled back into her bed and in a few moments was sound asleep. The winds still blew and the waves still rolled, but her fears were calmed because her father was in charge, and she knew that her father could get her home safely.

We too face storms in life of all kinds and they rock our life’s boat to an extent we think it is going to crash how would we respond? Unlike the little girl in the story there were some mighty fishermen who grew up in the region of Galilee who were used to the rugged conditions on the sea yet when they faced a storm how did they respond? In order to find out their response and who is in charge let us turn to (Luke 8:22-25)

Vs 22 Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.”  So they launched out.

Vs 23 But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. V24 They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped and it became calm. Vs 25 And he said to them, Where is your faith? They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water and they obey Him?

A brief background from Luke 7th & 8^th chapters: After completing his discourse Jesus went to Capernaum. There Jesus healed the servant of a centurion, and raised the widow’s son from the dead. He began to travel from one city and village on a preaching mission. The twelve disciples, the women who were healed of evil spirits and sicknesses and many others were following Jesus. He was becoming popular in the entire region of Galilee. In other words the gospel began to spread into the Gentile territory. On one of those days Jesus tells his disciples to get into the boat and he said to them: “let’s go over to the other side of the lake”

I. TRAVELING WITH JESUS

Jesus told his disciples “Let us go over to the other side of the Lake” this indicates that. He was not sending the disciples alone, but he was going with them as well. In other words Jesus was their traveling companion. How would you like to have Jesus as your traveling companion?  Several scriptures in the gospels show us that Jesus took his disciples with him on a number of occasions:

For a dinner at Matthews’s house (Matt 9:16; 26:20), on his many mission trips :( Mk 10:40)

When he performed miracles (raising the widow’s son, wedding at Cana, feeding the five thousand)

When he prayed in private: (Matt 26:36; Lk 9:18; John 6:3). He was going to prepare place for the disciples and will come back to them so that they can be with him. (John 14:3). Jesus promised to be with his disciples always even to the very end of the age (Matt 28:20)

Even today Jesus wants to be our traveling companion in this life’s Journey. He wants to be our guide and the leader at the same time. He wants to walk with us and talk with us. It doesn't mean that we will never face any troubles but it means that he will help us in our troubles. 

II. THE UNEXPECTED STORMS:

Before they embarked the journey Jesus did not click on to the weather forecast of Seven News for that day. The sky must have been clear and there were no threatening signs around.  He got his group together and said “Let’s Go” So Jesus along with his disciples sailed off to the other side of the Lake. It was towards the evening, the sun is setting, the sea breeze was refreshing, the waves were gently dancing to the continuous rhythm of the oars, and the boat was rocking like a cradle. It was a perfect situation for any one to doze off a bit.  After a hectic ministry schedule Jesus must have been quite tired so fell off to a deep sleep.

The boat was cruising along and the disciples too must have been relaxed. Finally they could get away from all those bustling crowds and get a breather. I wonder what may have been going through in the minds of the disciples, they may have been reflecting on their busy ministry itinerary with Jesus for the past so many days: Let’s step into the boat to hear what was going on, Peter, John and James were discussing about the prominent delegation of Jewish elders who came and requested Jesus to heal the servant of the centurion.

Soon after that, they had a heart wrenching experience of actually seeing a dead man coming alive at the gate of the city called Nain. The team treasurer Judas was upset with the act of this woman who wasted the expensive perfume just to wash Jesus’ feet!! He thought what a waste. And the other disciples may have gotten into a theological argument on what actually meant by the “Sower and the Seed parable.” As the boat kept sailing “All of a sudden without any warning, (Matt 8:24) “a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake and they began to be swamped and they were in danger.

When it comes to think of it these disciples were no ordinary men, they lived all their lives on the rugged sea catching fish, now they left everything and followed this man called Jesus. They were caught off guard. It must have dawned on them it was a life and death situation. They knew far too well that it was going to be a disaster so they rushed to Jesus and woke him up saying Master! Master!  We are perishing. Matt 8:24 “Lord save us we are going to drown” Mark records in Mk 4: 38 “Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”

When you  think that everything is going smoothly, you have nothing to worry, you are beginning to enjoy life and relax then all of a sudden a storm (northeaster) hits your life. Suddenly you may get a notice from your company saying your are contract is terminated, or diagnosed with cancer; your spouse gives up on you, or lose a loved one back home in India, In such moments we feel like our life is falling apart, no one cares about us, feel like God is silent and doesn't care for us any more just like the disciples did. Let’s look at who is in charge?

III. WHO IS IN CHARGE?

       As the frantic disciples came and woke up Jesus what did he do? He got up from the sleep and rebuked the wind and the surging waves and they stopped, and it became calm. The word rebuke carries certain power here in the passage. Jesus employed the same word when he set the man free in the synagogue who was possessed by an unclean spirit, (Luke 4:35), when he healed Peter’s mother-in law and when he cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits.

      Interestingly the OT sometimes portrays the powers of nature as demonic; what is of equal interest is that it also depicts Yahweh as Lord of the sea and his power over the sea as mastery of a monstrous, evil power. Hence as Jesus rebukes the storm he is acting as God acts, manifesting his authority over the powers of evil. Several scriptures in Psalms talk about God’s protection of his people in times of trouble :( Psalm 65:7; 69:2-3; 15-16; 74:13-14; 107:23-30)

      Psalm 107:28-31 “Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves. And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor.” (The Message)
With one rebuke Jesus brought order in disorder. He restored peace in panic. He made calm in chaos. He challenged disciple’s unbelief. Jesus established His absolute authority over nature and over human lives. He wanted the disciples to know that when He is with them no storm will overtake them. He wanted them to look at Him rather than looking at the wind and the waves. He wanted them to be at rest knowing that He is indeed the commander in chief and He is in charge.

    How do we respond to the storms in our lives that come unexpected and seem to drown us?  Are we like the disciples who even though had seen several miracles yet hardened their minds and doubt in the absolute power and authority of God? What is the storm you are facing today? God has a purpose in leading you into that storm. When you think your life boat is going to be crashed, that is the time you need to know Who!! is on the Deck, or who is having the commanding controls or who is in charge, then like that little girl in the story. If we only you keep your eyes on the one who has the power over the wind and the waves He will guide you safely through your storm. Anchor yourself to Jesus who is in charge of your life.  Amen.