Sudden Storm

Mark 4:35–41 NIV

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Introduction

Today we gather to say farewell to a man whom I know to be private but someone who liked to have fun. A person who could light up a room with a smile, which was demonstrated clearly on all the lovely pictures shared by his family. A man who had a knack for pretty much anything he put his mind to. He was loving, hardworking, loved the Lord and spoke his mind. Ivan Weldon Gilbert. He loved his family hard and was proud of them.

Ivan and Myrtle began dating when Myrtle was 12, they broke up for a few years but at the age of 16 Ivan came back to get Myrtle and they were together ever since. Ivan read the Bible and attended church as much as possible. He was unwell in the past while and unable to come out. But when he did he had a group of people that he looked for and they looked for him. Why? To have a conversation and a good laugh. He was a bit of a character you see.

Ron and Nellie told me about a time that they were in the avalon mall having lunch when Ron saw that Ivan spotted them and ran up and grabbed Nellie’s purse. Nellie thought she was being robbed, oh my purse, oh my purse but this was Ivan, pulling his jokes. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and many have fond memories of that and will surely miss it.

This evening I would like to remind you of how sudden things change in life.

The Sea of Galilee is a sparkling jewel in the northern part of Israel. It is not large. It's more like a lake than what we think of as a sea. Only thirteen miles in length, seven and one-half miles at its widest point, surrounded by hills. It was the place where fisherman made a living, and of beauty for those who lived around its shores. Jesus made his headquarters here. Many of his miracles and much of his ministry took place here. He called the early band of brothers, his disciples, from this area.

Seeking a break from the demand of the excited crowds that had begun to follow him, Jesus took a boat, and with some of his disciples, drifted off for some rest and relaxation. But suddenly their leisure day was disrupted by a violent storm. This was not unusual. The sea was known to change in an instant, sudden change. The cool air from the mountains serve wind tunnels that can produce a dramatic storm. In that sudden storm, Jesus did an astounding thing. And through this lesson I would like to remind the family and bring words of comfort through this experience.

I. No guarantee against the sudden

First of all, we are reminded that although the Sovereign of the universe is on the boat, it is no guarantee against the sudden—in this case, a sudden storm (v. 37). Some may think that if you are a Christian you will be absolved from any trials, troubles or hard knocks in life. That is not the case.

A quick look at some of the men and women who knew and served God in the Scripture will reveal how false is this belief. Joseph went to prison. Job lost everything but his life. Jeremiah was put in prison. Paul had an affliction that plagued him all his life. All of the original disciples were martyred for their faith in Jesus, except one. And he was an exiled prisoner. Jesus never promised a "rose garden" tour of life.

However, he did promise, "I am with you" (Matt. 28:20). It may be tough to be in a storm with Jesus, but imagine being in one without him.

Ivan had been sick for a while. He was a hard worker. Myrtle was telling he went to work at the age of 17 and worked until the age of 71. He did not want to stop working then. He enjoyed working. He collected 1 unemployment cheque in his life. That is a testament of hard work and drive for sure. Ivan wanted to provide security for his family and His drive to care for his wife and 6 kids was evident in how he worked. He began working with IOC in 1975 and the family moved to a small mobile home 8 of them in a three bedroom mobile home. Not a lot of space but they made it work.

Ivan struggled with sickness but He had faith that God would bring Him through.

II. It may appear God isn't doing anything

Second, it may appear that in these sudden experiences of life that grieve us and threaten our sense of God's nearness and care that God isn't doing anything (v. 38). These experienced, veteran fishermen were thoroughly frightened. Their lives were on the line, yet Jesus appeared to be sleeping through the situation.

Ivan struggled with his sickness and that was hard on him. He said that even the day he passed away. Sickness is not easy, we question where God is.

In life, things come at us that we cannot control. Some things come through the actions of other people, and some things in life are never explained. God seems to be silent when we long for a word. One theologian, in facing this dilemma, said that "sometimes the silence of God is God's highest thought." (Helmut Thielick, source unknown) 

Like these hardy fishermen, we protest when we don’t see Jesus when he seems to be asleep at the wheel of our lives.

III. Fear can replace faith

Third, we can respond like Jesus' disciples. Fear can replace faith. Jesus did hear their cries for help. And I believe He did hear Ivan’s cried for help in the pain of his sickness.

In this instance in the Bible Jesus sprang into action. He spoke, and the winds ceased and the waves curled up around his feet like submissive tigers under the voice of their trainer. He then asked a penetrating question, "Why are you so afraid?" There are three words for fear in the language of the New Testament. Here Jesus used the one that is always used in a bad sense.

The men were deeply terrified. When fear comes, faith is removed. We live in a world with much to cause fear: the fear of terrorists, of illness, of losing our jobs, of being victimized by brutal criminals and the list can stretch on. Fear can immobilize us as it did Jesus' companions. When fear knocks, we must send faith to answer the door. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7 KJV).

When the sudden comes in our lives, the Sovereign Savior is looking for us to look at him. They had seen Jesus do mighty things in recent days. They knew he had the power to heal the sick and cast out demons, but their faith trembled at this unexpected turn of events. In the light of his power and faithfulness in the past, Jesus asked, "Do you still have no faith?" (v. 40). Jesus challenges us to look deep within us and remember some things that can turn our pain, our grief, our questions, and our uncertainties into the beginning of healing in the face of this unanticipated event.

IV. Jesus hears our cries

We are to remember that although Jesus did not hear the howling storm, he heard his disciples' cries. Much as a mother hears the cries of her baby and a shepherd hears the bleat of the sheep, so does Jesus hear our cries. "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear" (Isa. 59:1).

Today, I want to share these words with this family. You hurt with the loss of your husband, father, pop and friend. But please know this, Jesus hears your cries and He brings comfort to us when we need it the most. Please know He is as close as the mention of His name.

Conclusion

Finally, storms remind us that the Sovereign of the Sudden is in control (v. 41). The disciples were overwhelmed by what they had seen. They had reverence for Jesus because He showed His power and that He is in control. They had seen Jesus, with a word, rebuke wind and waves. They were reminded that the Sovereign of the Sudden is in control when everything else seems to be totally out of control. That boat could not sink because God's plan for the world was on it. Someone has said, "No water can swallow the ship where lies, the master of heaven, and earth, and skies." (Mary A. Baker, "Peace Be Still," 1941)

God's plan and purpose for Ivan Gilbert and for our lives are not subject to whims, accidents, circumstances, and illnesses. God works through these to bring about his will.

We stand on the assurance, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (Isa. 43:1–3).

Stop here depending on time!

David Watson was the dynamic pastor of the St. Michael's Church in York, England. Large crowds filled the sanctuary week after week to hear him call them to faith and fellowship with Jesus. In the prime of his life, Watson was diagnosed with cancer. The people prayed, and he fought it. But, in the end, it ravaged his body and he went home to be with the Lord.

The following Sunday, a cherished friend was asked to lead in the worship and the communion service. When he stood to speak, emotion overcame him as he thought of the absence of his recently deceased friend. He wept, as did the grief-stricken congregation. Then someone thought about a phrase that David often used. Sometimes, even in the middle of a message, Watson would shout, "Our Lord reigns!" Quietly, but strong enough to be heard, he said, "Our Lord reigns." Another picked it up. Then another joined them. Soon the packed sanctuary was filled with hundreds of voices, chanting together on their feet, "Our Lord reigns!" For minutes, it rocked the cavernous worship hall. Applause and cheering broke out.

Sadness gave way to celebration. The Sovereign of the Sudden was, is, and always will be in charge. In our pain and sorrow, we stand on the everlasting truth, "Our Lord reigns!"

Take comfort in knowing that while you hurt and are dealing with the suddenness of Ivan’s passing, God is still in control and watching over you all bringing an extension of comfort, peace and love. Our prayers are with you all!