Calming Life’s Chaos (The Secret To Walking On Water)

Introduction- The Chaotic Times Which We Live

In an Associated Pressed article this past week…

The Republican Party presumptive nominee for president and his allies have relished the extended spotlight on President Biden this week, with the former president making the rare decision to lay low at his New Jersey club and allow Biden to be the story. The Republican Party presumptive nominee for president has no public events on his schedule, and his campaign surprised some aides and advisers by telling them to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday.

“Chaos is our friend,” a person close to the former president said.

Chaos- the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (such as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)

We live in a time that could be characterized as chaotic and tumultuous…

Chaos of the Pandemic

Sky rocketing prices for essential items & housing

Pay & Compensation instability

Upheaval in Politics & Civil decorum

Psychotic Presidents

Psychosis in the electorate

Cataclysmic Effects of Climate change

Resistance to changing communities & demographics within the nation

Rapidly Rising Health care costs

Unsustainable increases in college costs & debt

Quiet Quitting on the job

Volatile Children’s mental health & wellbeing

Unequipped parents with random child rearing methods

Church members uncertain giving & tithing

Inconsistent church member attendance & participation

Church leader’s at times flaky ideas & unreliable faithfulness

Inauthentic Church member’s care and love for one another

Random Church engagement with the community

Church member’s questionable commitment to the church

The unpredictability of People in general

Life can chaotic & stressful at times

We live in the midst of what seems to be constant chaos and storms of life

Storms in nature can be chaotic:

Take Tropical Storm Beryl which is currently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico and heading toward southern Texas, where it’s expected to become the first storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season to make landfall in the US.

Beryl is forecast to make landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas, as a Category 1 hurricane Monday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.

It’s expected to bring damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and dangerous flooding beginning late Sunday.

Deadly storm: Beryl killed at least nine people as it hammered the Caribbean islands last week, and later battered Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Hence we get storms of life

Transition To Body- After Jesus’ miraculous feeding of 5000 men, plus women & children

Matthew 14:13–21 ESV

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The chaos started after Jesus immediately sent the disciples across the lake ?

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary iv. Jesus Walks on the Water (14:22–33)

Made is literally ‘compelled’, an unusually strong word.

John 6:14–15 ESV

14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary iv. Jesus Walks on the Water (14:22–33)

Jesus needed to despatch them urgently to prevent their being affected by the popular enthusiasm. The

And the disciples obeyed Jesus’ command

And now the disciples find themselves alone without Jesus physically in their presence and a long way from the peaceful shores

And chaos has now erupted

Matthew 14:24 ESV

24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

Body- In the midst of chaos

Contemplative Prayer Provides Proper Perspective (Matt. 14:22-24)

Matthew 14:22–24 ESV

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

After serving people, after doing ministry, Jesus goes up the mountain alone to pray to God the Father

During Times Of Crises- Jesus took time to pray alone on the top of a mountain (where it was believed God could be found, Jesus like Moses)

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Jesus Sees

Mark 6:48 ESV

48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,

The Lord God Sees

Genesis 16:13 ESV

13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

Psalm 33:18–19 ESV

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

Jeremiah 29:11–13 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

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Contemplative Prayer Provides Proper Perspective (Matt. 14:22-24)

}

Christ Comes Gloriously Conquering Chaos (Matthew 14:25-27)

Matthew 14:25–27 ESV

25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Jesus working the Night Shift (3am-6am)!

Jesus uses his power to conquer the chaos (wind) of the sea- walking in the water

Matthew 8:23–27 ESV

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Job said

Job 9:8 ESV

8 who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea;

The Psalmist Said

Psalm 77:19 ESV

19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

Again The Psalmist Has Said

Psalm 77:16 ESV

16 When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.

Isaiah Prophesied

Isaiah 43:16 ESV

16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,

Psalm 24:8–10 ESV

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

John 11:4 ESV

4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Romans 8:18 ESV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary iv. Jesus Walks on the Water (14:22–33)

The marginal reading ‘out on the sea’ is literally ‘in the middle of the sea’; either reading therefore excludes the suggestion that they were close to the shore, and saw Jesus walking either on the shore or in shallow water. What they saw in the pre-dawn dimness (the fourth watch is 3 to 6 a.m.) was a physical ‘impossibility’, and in such circumstances, after a mind-stretching evening and a gruelling sleepless night, it is no wonder that they registered a ghost (literally ‘apparition’, used of any unnatural vision, e.g. of a spirit).

There Ought Be Some Healthy Fear in walking with God

Philippians 2:12–13 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

{

Contemplative Prayer Provides Proper Perspective (Matt. 14:22-24)

Christ Comes Gloriously Conquering Chaos (Matthew 14:25-27)

}

Chaotic Crises Cultivate Our Faith (Matt. 14:28-36)

Matthew 14:28–36 ESV

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Faith Scriptures

Hebrews 11:1–3 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Romans 5:2–5 ESV

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

James 1:2–4 ESV

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Ask Without Doubting

James 1:5–8 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Peter panicked- Peter doubted his ability to continue in the chaos

Peter allowed the chaos (wind) to distract him- causing him to doubt Jesus’ power

Peter is an example of the believer who suffers from lack of faith in Jesus: after taking the first steps of a difficult endeavor he or she failures when opposition begins to buffet them.

This counts for the evangelist (which includes Peter)- Jesus is able and willing to save despite inadequate faith!

Peter asked Jesus to save him from the chaos

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Jesus took hold of Peter in the midst of the chaos

Psalm 18:15–18 ESV

15 Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 16 He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. 17 He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support.

Psalm 144:7 ESV

7 Stretch out your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of foreigners,

Isaiah 41:9–10 ESV

9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The disciples worshiped Jesus when the chaos (wind) stopped

Other people, the other disciples, followers of Jesus Christ,

were watching what happened with Peter!

They Crossed Over

Matthew 14:34 ESV

34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

By rescuing Peter (and the disciples) Jesus calls Peter (and the disciples) to a greater faith- to a faith in the power of Jesus to save his people.

By walking on the sea Jesus overcomes the powers of chaos and subdues the sea.

Jesus brings salvation to those in peril!

{

Contemplative Prayer Provides Proper Perspective (Matt. 14:22-24)

Christ Comes Gloriously Conquering Chaos (Matthew 14:25-27)

Chaotic Crises Cultivate Our Faith (Matt. 14:28-36)

}

Transition To Close- The LORD God Gloriously Tramples Over Chaos

The Righteous Falls Seven Times

Proverbs 24:16 ESV

16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

The Steps Of A Righteous Person…

Psalm 37:23–24 ESV

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Humble Yourself Under The Mighty Hand of God

1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

In This Life…You Will Face Storms

John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

New Line Cinema’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

In The LORD of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,Frodo Baggins, a hobbit, is given the unenviable task of destroying a ring in The Cracks of Doom in a dark and evil land called Mordor. His task is fraught with mortal danger.

Gandalf the wizard understands such a perilous journey could cause anyone to become discouraged. Gandalf encourages Frodo’s best friend, Samwise Gamgee, to accompany Frodo on the trip. In fact, Gandalf makes Samwise promise he will never leave Frodo. Several other brave individuals accompany Frodo as well. These nine travelers become the “Fellowship of the Ring.”

Well into the journey, the lives of those in the Fellowship have been endangered on multiple occasions. Concerned for the safety of his friends, Frodo makes a private and noble decision to slip away from his friends and make the remainder of the journey on his own. Frodo steps into a boat and quietly pushes away from the shore.

Suddenly the branches on the sloping hill above the shore begin to snap and give way to a tiny hobbit warrior. Samwise Gamgee crashes through the branches and onto the shore, shouting, “Frodo! Mr. Frodo!”

Frodo yells back, “Go back, Sam! I’m going to Mordor alone!” Sam is not deterred. He continues toward Frodo, splashing into the river up to his waist. “Of course you are, and I’m coming with you!”

“You can’t swim!” Frodo shouts. “Sam! Sam!”

Sam tries desperately to swim out to the boat. Frodo watches as Sam begins to sink beneath the murky surface of the river.

Frodo reaches down and grabs Sam’s wrist, pulling him up and into the boat. Frodo looks at Sam as if to say, Why? Why would you risk your life attempting to swim out to me?

A soaking-wet Sam sees the question in Frodo’s eyes and says, “I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise. ‘Don’t you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.’ And I don’t mean to. I don’t mean to.”

Frodo embraces Sam. Come on,” he smiles.

Close- Chaos Of The Cross

Matthew 4:1 ESV

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 26:39 ESV

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:67 ESV

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,

Matthew 27:12–14 ESV

12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Matthew 27:41–44 ESV

41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Matthew 28:9–10 ESV

9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”