TEMPESTS

I Was Just Thinking About – TEMPESTS.

Currently, there is concern in different sections of the country about the weather and some possibilities of extreme consequences. Reference is made to the scorching heat in western states; inordinate flooding in Colorado; torrential rain and flooding on the east coast. The press urges caution for residents and travelers.

Within the context of the church. The idea of tempests is present. Hymn and anthem writers refer to it – Don Wyrtzen (1971) wrote about the tempestuous in his anthem, Finally Home. He is writing about death. Some of his lyrics are: “When alarmed by the fury of the restless sea, Towering waves before you roll…When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night, Oh how lonely death can be…” Mary Baker (1874) wrote: “Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high! The sky is overshadowed with blackness, No shelter or help is nigh; Carest Thou not that we perish? Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today; The depths of my sad heart are troubled Oh, waken and save, I pray!” William C. Martin (1902) wrote, My Anchor Holds: “Though the angry surges roll On my tempest driven soul…Mighty tides about me sweep, Perils lurk within the deep, Angry clouds over-shade the sky, And the tempest rises high…Troubles almost ’whelm the soul; Griefs like billows o’er me roll; Tempters seek to lure astray; Storms obscure the light of day…”

When one comes to grips with the nearness of death or some other major concern arises, panic, fear and apprehension can cause one to think in terms of peril and uncertainty about the unknowns. What should one do? What can quell the troubled soul and mind? When fear is gripping the heart and mind, what can you do, to whom can you seek and find relief?

When I wrote and published the book, Realizing Significance (2012), the key text used throughout was Mark 4:35-41. The disciples and Jesus are on a vessel when a sudden storm seems to overwhelm them and jeopardize their lives. Some facts the disciples failed to remember was that Jesus Christ was with them and resting in the stern of the ship - He was actually God in their midst. If only they had recalled the reassuring words of Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the Lord: You are my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” If only they had recalled that the Lord (Psalm 121:4) “neither slumbers or sleeps.”

How often are we filled with panic rather than peace? How often do we react to the fear of death rather than confidence in the Lord’s presence and deliverance? Jesus, even though He was resting and asleep in the stern of the ship, modeled peace in the midst of the storm. When the disciples had done all they could to keep the ship afloat, they decide to come to Jesus. In their life-threatening moment, they forgot about the several other little boats that were following their larger vessel. They were also in a desperate situation and overwhelmed by the ferocity of the storm. As the disciples rush to Jesus, more than likely they did so with frustration, exhaustion and impatience. They blurt out: “Teacher (Master), do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38) What an absurd question to ask of Jesus! Of course, He cares. He has been preparing them for the approaching day when He would be crucified to atone for their sins. The Master cares!

Don Wyrtzen concluded his anthem, Finally Home,  with words of peace and assurance: “At the end this long tunnel is a shining light, For death is swallowed-up in Victory! Just think - of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven; Of touching a hand, and finding it God's: Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial; Of waking up in Glory, and finding it "Home" – Finally Home!” What should this mean for each of us who know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord? How should we respond to death and being ushered into the presence of our God and Savior? Charles Gabriel (1900) wrote words that should resonate within us: “Oh, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.