The Calming Voice of Christ (Matt 14:22-29)
2 Tim. 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-control.” How we react to storms, to this virus, and to disasters will be a defining moment for the church! Do you realize that God mentions to us in His Word to not be afraid at least 365 times. That’s one do not be afraid for every day. Listen to the voice of Jesus. John 10:3 “The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” You are called by name, be still and listen, you will know He is calling.
A Committed Focus on Christ (Matt 14:29-30)
Our focus must be on Christ and not on this world. When we try to do things in our own power, our strength, our timing, fear will take over, and we’ll sink every time. Be encouraged by Mark 4:41 “Even the wind and the sea obey Jesus.” Jesus has control over everything.
A Contagious Response to Christ (Matt 14:31-33)
Our response shows the power of God in, and to, a sinking world. Salvation in Christ is the most important thing ever. Stuff like viruses, and natural disasters will get worse as Jesus comes closer. How will we respond? Will we have fear or faith? Look at Matt 24:3-14 “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away[a] and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus was asked about a tragic occurrence when the tower of Siloam fell and killed 18 people. Listen to His response in Luke 13:1-5 “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” He pointed the question about why these people perished into the real question, Are you ready? How we respond will show the strength of Christ! Look at verses 32-33 again. This not a time for panic, but for prayer and praise. This not a time for chaos, but for calmness, and boasting in Christ. This is not a time for anxiety, but for abiding. This is not a time for stress, but for realizing God’s sovereignty. This is not a time for doubting, but for dependence upon God. Christ is good! He is good and does good! We must respond through our strength in Christ, not through conformity to the world.