Sovereign over Nature

If you have your bibles this morning please turn with me to John Chapter 6 starting in verse 16. I have titled the message this morning “Sovereign over Nature”. Please pray with me and then we will get started.

In the text today we see the 5th sign in the gospel of John. Just as a reminder I want to tell you the previous four. Water to Wine, Healing the nobleman’s son, healing of the lame man, and last week we saw the Feeding of the 5000.

Each of these signs show us deeper meanings than just a sign or a miracle.

Todays text is again one of those famous things that Jesus did while on earth. Walking on Water, and this morning, we will read it from John’s perspective and point of view. The word of God says this....

John 6:16–21 ESV

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

If you are taking notes or following along in your bulletin. The Main point I have for you is this.. Jesus is sovereign over the laws of nature.

Just to break down that idea. To be sovereign means to have ultimate power. Something Jesus possesses. His power is limitless. Its hard to grasp, but we see it in creation and through his ministry.

The law of natures are more complex. Academia would say that the laws of nature in the philosophy of science a stated regularity in the relations or order of phenomena in the world that holds, under a stipulated set of conditions, either universally or in a stated proportion of instances.

Or to us better known as logic.

So this means that Jesus is sovereign over things like logic. This does not mean that he breaks the laws of nature that he himself created, but being God he is not bound by those things, and can do the unthinkable to show he is Lord over those things. WE as humans cannot break those laws, but he can, because he is God and creator of the laws of nature.

Going back to the text the disciples are making there way to the sea. Which really is just a large lake, most people believe it to be 7 by 12 and half miles. They made there way to the sea after the feeding of the 5000. Now remember they wanted to make Jesus King, but Jesus did not oblige. The other gospels tell us that when the disciples got into the boat Jesus himself dismissed the crowds told them to go, And went up to the mountain to pray. And before Jesus could even get to them the boat was a long way off already departed in there journey.

For the disciples it was dark, and Jesus was not there. Johns account of this says that the sea was very rough because a strong wind was blowing. It was common for there to be storms in his sea. The Sea of Galilee is located about 600 feet below sea level, and what would happen often in this sea was violent storms. This happened because of Cool air from the southeastern tablelands rush in to displace the warm moist air over the lake, churning up the water is a violent squall. John makes it known that these disciples were not close to shore, but about three to four miles into there journey and most people say it was around 7 miles wide putting them smack dab in the middle of this sea. Now we know these men were use to storms as we know some were fisherman, but still yet they could not calm the seas. Being in the middle meant that they could not go back any faster then moving forward they must ride it out or press on with there journey.

And for them Jesus would come at the right time, but they were quite frightened when they saw him walking on the sea. I wonder what kind of walk that was in midst of this crazy storm. I am sure it was a calming walk.

John’s gospel says they were afraid. But he told them It is I do not be afraid.

The first thing I want you to write down is this…

The Great I am is not bound by nature.

The gospel of John is filled with I am Statements we will see many of those as we continue our study of this gospel, but this is not a formal one, but you can clearly see it in the text.

The saying I am goes all the way back to Exodus 3:14 which says…

Exodus 3:14 ESV

14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

The great I am is right in front of you, breaking the laws of nature. Walking on Water and as we have already seen in this gospel he does things greater than moses. Last week we saw how he turned little into an abundance, and this week in the text we see how he in fact walks on water instead of parting it like moses did, with the help of God.

You know what I love about scripture and the thoughtfulness of God giving revelation to his people writing his word is there there no argument to be made that Jesus is just walking off the shore that he is stepping across rocks to get to his disciples. He is in fact walking on water. In the middle of the sea. The great I am shows his greatness, and his power.

It’s hard for me to not think about the other accounts of this text in the other gospels, because the response here is just Jesus coming into the boat. But in Matthews account we see something different. Listen to his words.

Matthew 14:26–31 ESV

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.” 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?”

We see in this account some similarities and differences, and before I get to those. Something important for you to grasp especially when reading the gospels is that just because we see differences in story doesn’t mean its not true or accurate. Many people will ask you that are not in the faith, Muslims will do this alot why are the stories different in the gospels. Well what we need to understand is it means the author had a different perspective and different mission in order to get his point across. The main things each and every one of these events have in common is Jesus is walking on water, calming the storm, getting them to safety, but John is focusing on things Matthew, or Mark isn’t it in this example.

Just to get the point across, Let me give you an example. Three people are watching the 1998 NBA finals game 6 between the Utah Jazz, and the Chicago Bulls and here is there account of the game.

One man says Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz 87-86 to win the NBA Championship. Short and Sweet. True statement.

Another man Says Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz 87-86 and Jordan hit the game winner and the Bulls are your NBA Champions. Also a True Statement.

Another man Says Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz 87-86 and your not going to believe what happened in the last min of the game. Jordan hit two free throws to tie the game up 83 then with 41 seconds left. John Stockton hit a three to go up by 3. Jordan came roaring back to hit a layup with 37 seconds left to go down 1. Then Jordan makes a steal against Karl Malone with 18 seconds left, time for one last play and Jordan with 5 seconds left makes a 17 ft jump shot to go up by 1 then Utah misses the game winner game over. Chicago your champions. Notice every single story all true different perspectives, focusing on different things.

Matthew focuses on Peter and his statement to the Lord. While John focuses just on there general fear. But Peter says If it is you Jesus command me to come to you on the water. He said come, so peter walked on water, and defied the laws of logic, only because because God allowed him to, but he in his own fear rather than resting in the one who is in charge of the seas and winds got scared when the wind began to blow and He began to sink. And Cried out Save me Lord. And he saved him.

Peter’s example shows us that when we have fear we should keep our eyes on Jesus, and when we are focused on him the storms and the winds, and everything in between seem so small, but when we take our eyes off him every outside thing can be magnified even when we are in the presence of the Lord. The disciples had Jesus right in front of them, they should not have feared the winds and the rain, because Jesus is sovereign over the laws of nature.

Jesus defied the laws of nature so you dont have to. He is not bound by it, and most importantly he is Lord over it. Jesus is Lord over everything, but seeing what he is Lord over helps us understand his true power.

He rescued the disciples from the winds and seas, and gets them where they need.

Second thing I want you to write down is this.

Jesus always gets you to where you need to be.

Verse 21

John 6:21 ESV

21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Not only is there a sign in this text of Jesus walking on water today, but also a miracle. When Jesus got onto the boat a great miracle occured. They where immediately to where they were suppose to be. Those 3 or 4 miles they were from shore, was changed in just a moment. Many point to the Psalmist in Psalm 107:23-32. Listen to the Psalm and how it correlates with todays scripture.

Psalm 107:23–32 ESV

23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; 24 they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

The Psalm echos many of the things we have seen in the text today, the disciples saw many great signs which we have seen as a church. He made the storm still, the waves were hushed. but if you notice verse 30 it jumps off the page because Jesus made the storm quiet and brought them to their desired haven.

Jesus always gets you where you need to be. No matter the situation, no matter the storm. Jesus always gets you to where you need to be.

One man said this about verse 21. There’s an illustration here. I don’t want to be maudlin, but this is the way our lives are. This story is not a parable; it is a historical narrative. However, it certainly illustrates what happens when Jesus comes into our lives. Life is a time of pulling against the oars, against resistance, trying to get somewhere. However, we’re not getting anywhere and we’re about to be engulfed. But as soon as Jesus gets in the boat, we’re home free. That’s what happens when Christ comes into the lives of His people. He doesn’t take away all difficulties and make our lives beds of ease, but He gets us through the darkness. He gets us through the violence. He carries us through the storm.

Love that quote…

The Journey for the Christian is full of storms, full of valleys, full mountains, full of joy, full of sadness, it has the array of emotions, but it also has a full of the promise that your eternal destination rests in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And if we are in him by faith alone then he will see us through to our own destination.

Need evidence of that I will give it you, you will see more evidence as we continue in John that will comfort you in a multitude of ways, but let me give you three to comfort you.

The first is this…

Philippians 1:6 ESV

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite scriptures in all of the bible. Because its something we can take to the bank. God is the one who starts a good work in us. Starts our faith, gives us faith, dies for us, but when we are saved he doesn’t leave us as we are. He grows us, he transforms us, all in different ways, but if you have been a believer for long you know you are not the same, and God is going to continue to grow you and will one day be with him forever. And will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Second scripture is this..

1 Corinthians 1:8 ESV

8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To be sustained means to be strengthen or support physically or mentally. Christ is the source of our strength. He will provide it all of our days. He will see you through, not only does he see you through, but he will make you guiltless in the day of our Lord.

The day of our Lord is in the end. and if you are in Christ you don’t have to worry about guilt, because on the cross he removed all of that. When Christ died he knew believer that his blood was shed for you. How comforting today.

Third scripture is this…

Romans 8:29–30 ESV

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

This is known as the golden chain of redemption. Believer you are chosen to be in Christ. Before the foundations of the world, chosen to be conformed to the image of his Son. Called out by name before the world began. Justified in Christ, and will one day be in glory.

Listen to what one pastor said… We are entirely in God's hands from eternity past. He chose to love us, to declare us righteous in Christ, and to adopt us. All those whom God justifies will be glorified. If we are in Christ now, we are in Him forever.˜

Jesus always gets you to where you need to be. Just like the disciples who were in the storm needed some sort of rescue he rescues all his Children, the promises of comfort only come to those who are in Christ though. Jesus being Sovereign over the laws of nature gives us comfort not only for today, but when any storm comes our way no matter the outcome he will see you through, and get you to your destination. The destination may not not be a peaceful shoreline, but for those who are in Christ the destination will always have him there.

Those amazing promises that I read to you are for the believers in Christ.

But if you are not in him, God in his mercy and grace can come and make you alive. If you repent of your sin and trust in him by faith you can have eternal life.

Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, brought the people to safety to show he is Lord, but most importantly for us he died on the cross for his children, for those who believe in him, and that if you believe in him you can have life today. Talk about defying the laws of nature when we died and rose again on the cross! man if you need some good news there is some for you today!

All Jesus did in his life from sign to miracle from life to death proved he is worthy of being Lord.

He is Lord whether you acknowledge him or not, but if you acknowledge him on earth you will have eternal life.

Where are you at today? Respond however the Lord leads. Let us pray…