Who is this?

This is a question that has been asked of Jesus in various ways. In Mark Chapter 1 after Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out the man the question was asked, What is this?

In chapter 2 when Jesus said to the man your sins are forgiven. The question was asked Why does he speak like that?

Jesus had a way of astounding those who witnessed his power and his authority. Now they should not have been so surprised.

For we know he is God in the flesh and scripture had already spoke of his power. Job 38:8-11 “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, 9  when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, 10  and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, 11  and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

Or the Psalmist who said in Psalm 65:5-85 

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; 6  the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; 7  who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, 8  so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.

Or Psalm 89:8-9 8  O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you? 9  You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.

The Bible speaks of God’s power. He declares his authority over the waves of the sea. So when the question is asked What manner of man is this or Who is this? It is somewhat rhetorical. For they should have known as we know he was God.

This passage of scripture is very familiar to the saint. We have heard many times that Jesus spoke to the waves and said three words. Peace Be Still and the waves and the waves obey. The amplified Bible said the wind ceased as to sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating. Jesus said hush and the wind and waves were powerless. There came a great calm.

So what does this passage of scripture have for us today. What can we extract from it that will assist us. Well we know storms come. Many times they are not invited or welcomed but they come anyhow. Storms come at the most inconvenient times. Storms come when we have no tools to get us out of it.

Yes we know storms come. How do we handle the storms of life? You heard it many times. You are either going into a storm, in the mist of a storm or coming out of a storm.

So brace yourself. Its interesting that during my trip to Sierre Leone upon arrival I learned I had to take a ferry boat for one side of the country to the other side where my hotel is. So they loaded my luggage on a bus and we boarded and bus to go to the dock to get the ferry. In the time that it took for us to get on the boat and hear the attendant say we have a 35 to 40 minute ride to the other side it started to rain. Well are now in the middle of the sea and its dark and intense rain starts. The boat starts experiencing unsteadiness. It started to rock and then the waves go real intense. I looked to one of the other pastors and said now I know what the disciples felt like. Now I said that is jest. Not realizing that the rocking i felt was nothing compared what was about to happen. When I say it got serious it got serious! Waves start crashing the widows. The boat hand who was out side got knocked over. The supervisor told him to come in side. The attendant stood up and said I am sorry ladies and gentleman the sea is rough tonight. Please remain calm and remain seated.

I looked at the preacher and said its going to be ok because I know the Lord did not have my fly 18 hours from United States to perish on a boat in Sierre Leone. We will get to the other side. I said I am not Jesus but I know him and as he told his disciples let us go to the other side. He will get us to the other side. Well needless to say it was 20 good minutes of crashing waves and rain in the dark but I said Lord guide the ship and get me to dry land.

We made it. It was still raining but we made it. The waves calm enough for the boat to get over and I was so glad to get off that boat! I said thank you Jesus!

I share that because my boat experience is like storms of life. The waves did kick up until we were in the middle of the sea. I sure we were too far to turn back so we had to keep going forward. I could not see anything because i had to remain seated. All i could see was the boat captain navigating the boat, the boat attendant getting soaked, and the water that was splashing on me through the windows. I had to trust that God would bring me through.

So what is the lesson from Mark 4:35-41

First We Must Rely on What Jesus Says, 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”

Jesus after a day of ministry says to the disciples let us pass to the other side. Jesus has an appointment to keep. Though his disciples were not privy to his appointment book we know that there was a demonic man waiting on Jesus. This man who was being tormented by a legion of demons needed an encounter with Jesus. Yes Jesus was tired in the physical. Yes he needed a moment to rest because ministry can be exhausting. Many times we wear ourselves down trying to help where we can. So the disciples had marching orders. Let us pass to the other side.

We must be in tuned to the very word of God. This is very important. If you are in a storm the first thing is not to panic. What as Jesus spoken to you?

Yes Jesus was determined to go the other side. Maybe escape the demands of ministry. Yet we know that there were little boats that went also. Its funny because we know that were other boats out on the sea but we hear nothing else of their experience. We just know that the disciples we in terror. That lets me know that while you are in a storms others may be experiencing the same thing. The benefit the disciples had was Jesus was on board with them. That’s some good news today. Because if you are saved Jesus is on board with you!

Se we must remember what the Lord says concerning us. Isaiah 43:1-3

43 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Psalm 46:1-3 1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3  though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

We must know who God is and what he says concerning us.

Your Current Situation is not necessarily an indication of your out come.

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Can i just say it this way don’t panic in the storm. The current situation is not indicative of the outcome. I have been in some tight spots. What about you? He has brought me through. Things may look dreadful. It may be chaotic. May seem hopeless.

The waves were crashing and filling the boat. That means the boat was on the verge of sinking. If too much water gets in the boat the boat will topside. I understand their distress. Master don’t you care if we perish? Jesus was sleep peacefully in the hinder parts of the ship. He was resting through the storm Now the storm might have caught the disciples by surprise but it was no surprise to Jesus. Yes I know your current storm caught you off guard.

You said now what. I studying my word, I’m paying my tithes, I’m attending church. Now this ! I cant catch a break. We have to know God know the plans he has for you and they are plans not to harm you but to give you a future and a hope.

It may be difficult right now but we never have to asked the question if you care that we perish. Peter said cast all you cares upon him for he cares for us.

You will come through this like you came through the last storm. Storms are not comfortable but that can be a learning experience. It can be a time we seek Jesus even more. We know he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek him.

When i was on that boat. I said I’m coming out of this situation. God will get me to the other side.

Yes in my storm i sought the Lord. One of the things we have learned that we need to unlearn is that Jesus will not put on you more than you can bear, The truth be told we are never to bear burdens, storms, calamities alone. That’s when we lean in to him more. He will be there with you. The psalmist said, Ye I walk through the valley of shadow of death you shall fear not evil, thy rod and thy staff shall comfort you.

Finally Jesus will handle it

39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Jesus wakes and rebukes the wind. This word rebuke here is to express strong disapproval of . He speaks to the wind and said enough! I believe Jesus still speaks to our situations and says enough! and He said to the sea Peace Be Still.

I am a witness Jesus will handle it. There is not a problem, issue, situation, circumstance that Jesus can’t handle. If you know he can handle it encourage neighbor and Jesus can handle it.

There will be time in our lives when we will be overwhelmed, fearful, worried, stressed, troubled, angered, and so much more but we must know Jesus can handle it!

Colossians 1:16

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16

He can speak to our storm and say Peace Be Still and the wind and the waves will cease. They will become calm.

Yes we too may ask who is this? But if you know the Lord you will already know He is

ELOHIM

Translated God God as Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty and Strong.

EL SHADDAI

Translated God Almighty or “God All Sufficient.” 

YAHWEH-JIREH

“The Lord will Provide.” From “jireh” (“to see” or “to provide,” or to “foresee” as a prophet.)

YAHWEH-ROPHE  

“The Lord Who Heals“. From “rophe”

YAHWEH-NISSI

Translated “The Lord Our Banner.” He will lift you up!

King of Kings and Lord of lords

Bright and morning Star

My Savior

My Redeemer

My all in all