Pentecost 5 (4)

Mark 4:35–41 NIV84

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Last Sunday we prayed:

Heavenly Father, we pray that you shield us from every kind of danger: sudden catastrophe, terrors of crime, and the pain of disease. Watch over those who travel by land, sea, and air, Keep our loved ones from whatever perils may threaten them.

Doe God answer this prayer exactly how we intend? Do bad things happen to good people?

When the disciples and Jesus boarded their small vessel to cross the Sea of Galilee, they may have offered a similar prayer. After all, as seasoned fishermen who knew the lake very well, they would have known how dangerous crossing that small lake could be. (Subject to sudden storm.) And they did not have the advantage of severe weather alerts. Years later TV audiences would become aware of how those on the SS Minnow set out from a tropic port for a three hour cruise. But the weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew, the Minnow would be lost. And so starts the plight of those marooned on Gilligan’s Island — a light hearted sit com that continues to endure. But there was nothing light hearted about what happened to the disciples and Jesus on their journey across the Sea of Galilee. And there is certainly nothing light hearted about the long list of tragedies we have all faced at one time or another when sudden catastrophe has come upon us or those we know who travel by land, sea, and air, are victims of crime, or suffer from the pain on disease. We are all at risk and “We walk in danger all the way. The thought shall never leave me.”

So although we pray for God to protect us and trust the promise that He will use his angels to protect us, we also realize in humility that we are vulnerable and therefore need God to either keep harm from us or to work all things out for our good.

The potential for harm did come to the disciples

This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford's life. The first two were the death of his four-year-old son and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire).[1] His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to England with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, to help with D. L. Moody's upcoming evangelistic campaigns. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died.[2] His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.[3] Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.[4]

Original lyrics[edit]

When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know[b] It is well, it is well, with my soul. Refrain It is well, (it is well), With my soul, (with my soul) It is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.