Where Is God?
Notes
Transcript
Where Is God?
Where Is God?
16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,
17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.
19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid.
20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
Here we have something very interesting. Something a little different. We are going to use a literary technique called in medias res, which means in the middle. We start with the problem. The storm. The boat. The disciples. The waves. How did they get to this point? I want everyone to take a moment and close your eyes. Think about a storm or problem you may be in right now. If you are not in a storm right now, then Praise God. That is wonderful news. But do not worry, it is only a matter of time. Think back to your most recent storm of problem in your life. Think of everyone that problem affects. Think about the emotions you feel with it. You maybe feeling anger, hurt, depression, loneliness, fear, and doubt . You may jump back from feelings of justification and desperation. What brought you to this point? What brought the disciples to this point?
The Power
Jesus gave the disciples power and sent them out.
12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.
The disciples had this great experience. This powerful time of preaching and healing.
2. The Miracles
There was a large crowd that was coming. They had seen what Jesus had done in the past. They saw what power the disciples had and came in droves. 5,000 men not counting women and children. It has been estimated to anywhere from 15 - 20,000. That is roughly the population of Warrensburg, Missouri, in 2018. Can you imagine if Jesus was speaking at Northside Assembly, my prayer is He is speaking every service, but here in the flesh. The news of all His words, His miracles, and His compassion spread to Warrensburg and can you imagine all of Warrensburg here? This is why Jesus went out of town.
2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
People gravitate to a good thing. Free healthcare. Jesus healed all. Wow, that just blows your mind. And then if that was not amazing enough, Jesus feeds them all. The disciples wants to send the people away to get food. Jesus says no. Feed them. The disciples were in shock.
5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”
6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.
7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
This amount would equal 7 months of wages. A young boy comes up with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish. Not near enough to feed this huge crowd, but Jesus makes something out of nothing.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
3. The Storm
Then comes the storm. The trial in our lives. We are tossed back and forth by our emotions and our anxiety goes up. Where is the Lord? I do not seem Him now. He was right here beside me as I was having my mountain top experience. I experienced healing, prosperity, and joy. I was praising His name. Now the winds have come in. Where is the Lord? The Lord has not left us. We forget in the storm, the blessing we have just experienced.
52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
It only took the disciples a few hours to forget. What about you? Have you forgot the promises and blessings of God because you are in a storm right now?
When God is giving out healings and food, we are looking up and praising.
When we are in a storm, our eyes are down. Where did God go? At the back of the sanctuary there is a clock. This is supposed to keep me on track, but Praise God, there is a pillar in the way. When I look to the left or to the right, I do not see the clock anymore. What happened to the clock? Where did it go? The clock did not move. I moved. My frame of vision changed. I changed. God did not.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Conclusion
The crowd was so elated with the healings and the food they wanted to make Him a king. Jesus could not be stopped in His mission. His passion. He would not let the people make Him a king even though He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. We needed a Saviour first.
15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Today. he can be your Saviour and Jesus Christ wants to calm all your storms and heal your bodies and provide food for your souls. In Mark 6:56, when Jesus went to the next town after this experience, people would line the streets on both sides with people who were sick and diseased. They would get them close enough to just touch the hem of his garment. And they would be healed. Due you need to touch the hem of his garment this morning?
Reach out and touch the Lord
As He goes by
You will find He's not too busy
to hear your heart's cry.
He's passing by this moment
Your needs He will supply
Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.
https://namethathymn.com/hymn-lyrics/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=83
Salvation
A - Acknowledge
Romans 3:23
The New King James Version Chapter 3
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Salvation
B - Believe
Acts 16:31
The New King James Version Chapter 16
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Salvation
C- Confess
1 John 1:9
The New King James Version Chapter 1
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.