When our own Chris faced the worst storm of her life,
the assault and death of her teenage son Daniel,
she pondered the print of this painting by Jean Guichard
as she waited for news in the hospital waiting room.
The above painting of a tiny lighthouse keeper
in the midst of a storm is our symbol for the week as we ponder how a good God
could allow such terrible storms in the lives of His beloved,
and how, when we are in the midst of them, we should respond.
The storm the disciples faced was so bad, that even for experienced sailors,
they were sure they were going to die.
They did not die, for Jesus, in an instant, made the sea dead calm.
Chris’s Daniel, however did die, but then, because he knew Jesus,
flew into His arms for all eternity.
The only place we are safe in a storm, says Keller, is “in the will of God.”
Have you ever faced a storm and felt like Jesus was asleep in the boat?
I felt like that when my daughter Sally came home from Krakow, Poland
after her husband abandoned her in 2002,
shortly before her dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
It was then that she painted her painting of Aslan, looking for an answer as to why a good God would allow such terrible storms in the lives of His children.
Most of you are familiar with this story, but if not, or you are interested in hearing her back story, she spoke last summer at Wheaton College, where her painting hangs in their Marion Wade Center, explaining how God answered her question through the painting. On this page there is also an article on this page from last month’s Today’s Christian Living on Sally and her painting.
Perhaps you are in the midst of a storm or significant squall now.
There is so much more in this familiar story of Mark 4 than we may at first see,
and it will help us go through the storms of peril, grief, and loss
with faith and with wisdom.
Highlight from Last Week:
How you are really praying Scripture! There is such power in combining the Word and prayer! I know you will see answers. I see how we are all praying more about our hearts than our circumstances.
Please pray for us in prison today, death row tomorrow, and then back in regular prisons. The women are loving Kathy Troccoli and He is using her to minister. Please pray that the Lord will move the hearts of unbelievers to come, if He knows they will be touched.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above, and why?
- Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
Monday: Sleeping on a Cushion
The detail of Jesus sleeping on a cushion adds nothing to the plot. Keller says that is is there because “Jesus was sleeping on a cushion.” 🙂 It is the mark, not of a fable, but, as Vincent Taylor put it, “genuine reminicence.” It’s there because this incident actually happened.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
Tuesday: Only God Can Control A Storm
The water level in the Great Lakes is as high as it has been in recorded history. The rock wall my parents put in over thirty years ago is crumbling. Last year I had an ice shove that came within four feet of the house. (Here is my friend Twila on top, showing how big it was!)
I asked my son John, who designs bridges all over the world that must withstand storms, what could be done. He studied the situation and said, “Anything we could do would be very expensive and most likely ineffectual. Let’s just trust God.” And so, that is what I am doing. I realize He will either stop the storm or be with me in it.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail.
B. What stands out to you and why?
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
What do you learn about God?
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in
your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Wednesday: Don’t You Care?
The late Paul Little, an evangelist from the later 1900’s, said that the real question when tragedy strikes is not “Why did this happen,” but “does God love me?”
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
Thursday: One Greater than Jonah
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
B. Note any differences.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
Friday: Jonah’s Prayer
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Saturday: Reflections
16. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
123 comments
What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Several things:
a. The title- He allows the storm. The word, “allow” is comforting to me at the outstart knowing who my God is. Since what I know of God is true, that is, He is sovereign, good, omnipotent, then Him allowing a storm in my life, is a good thing.
b. Chris’s story always brings an ache in my heart.
c. Tim Keller, “the only safe place is in the will of God”. When my husband Richard was preparing to go to the Philippines as a missionary with the Navigators, one church member from his church pulled him aside and asked why of all places he was going there. She went on to say how dangerous it could be for him and that he might get harmed there as a foreigner. He told me about this later after we were married. So I asked him how he responded and he said the exact words of Keller. I am learning that to be so true. My husband was safe all the years we were there but one other friend wasn’t. He died during a bombing incident at an airport.
Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
Not at the moment but I feel like I am looking at a “boat during a squall” with a few people I love. So please pray I can throw them a lifeline through prayers and the sharing of God’s faithfulness with them.
Lord, that you be everpresent with Dee and Kathy as they minister to the women in prison. Open the eyes and the hearts of the unbelieving and the blind, refresh the hearts of those who know you. Please protect Dee and Kathy and their team as they go about their tasks. Give Kathy and Dee a special time together like no other. May they experience kisses of your blessings today and the days ahead. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Ernema, me too. I have loved ones in stormy seas.
Amen: So please pray I can throw them a lifeline through prayers and the sharing of God’s faithfulness with them.
1. What stood out?
Just listened to Sally’s talk at Wheaton. The healing in her heart comes through so clearly and beautifully in her voice as she speaks. Thank you Sally ~
Letting the words to this Andrew Peterson song about the storm wash over my heart this morning. Maybe you too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfE9A3kqNww
This is the storm, this is the storm
The storm before the calm
This is the pain, the pain before the balm
This is the cold, the cold
It’s the cold before the warm
These are the tears, the tears before the song
This is the dark
Sometimes all I see is this darkness
Well, can’t you feel the darkness
This is the dark before the dawn
Thanks for sharing this lovely song, Nila
Thanks, Nila. I love that Peterson song — perfect for our week. Just finished his wonderful book on song writing — Adorning the Dark.
Dee,
I read his book – Adorning the Dark, just before Christmas.
Praying for you in the prison, Dee and especially for the women on death row.
Oh I love this song and video, this is just what I needed today, thank you thank you! So beautiful! I images and message. ” I had a dream that I was waking at the burning edge of dawn and I could finally believe the King had loved me all along…” This made me cry, as so many times we feel lost or alone in the storm, but realize later, he was there in the midst of the storm, holding us or holding off the storm while we endured or prayed our way through it.
Lord I continue to lift up Dee and Kathy. May you continue to work through them as they minister to those hungry for you. Keep them safe while they are away from their homes and continue to help them keep their hearts open to your leading. We ask for safe travels back for them as they finish up with your teachings. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why? – Oh wow, this brought tears to my eyes and pain in my heart. Chris I lift you and your family up in prayer and can only hope you feel the hugs being sent. What an awfully hard time for you. When I look at the Lighthouse picture, I see, I think for the first time, that the side where the lighthouse keeper is standing, the storm is being held back. This is how our Protector, our Comforter works. He will always be with us during the storms of our lives.
2. Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week. – I sometimes just keep things quiet when they are not going right, but then I feel that satan is using that against me. If I don’t speak out, in the right way, of what is happening how can God help me. I know that he knows my thoughts, but I think that I need to bring my issue to the surface so there are no chains around my neck. My squall right now, is my marriage. We have been married for 11.5 years now and with my Mom in Florida for a couple of months, this is the first time we are alone. There has always been someone living with us since we were married in 2008. I feel that I can speak to my husband about things that are not going right, but I unfortunaltey don’t always do it in the right tone of voice. The bitterness creeps in, but I do feel like there is more peace between us at times, but I also know we are a work in progress. The struggle is still there for me. I have to keep reminding myself that I need to pick my battles so to speak. What I need to find is the way God wants me to act. We are two very different people that see things with two very different set of eyes. Lord help me to see Joe with the eyes you see him with. Help my heart to be open to your teaching so that you can be that third strand in our cord that is not easily broken. I trust you Lord, but need your help in knowing what to do. Thank you Lord!
Julie, I will pray for you to speak out with the right tone of voice. Yes, we always need to address issues lovingly. May God give you right words, right timing and right attitude, and may you both be blessed.
Thank you Shirley
I will pray for you dear Julie, as I have had the same issue in years past, my tone, and still do at times. I know your pain. I will say I have seen God move more in my husband lately than ever before and I am like wow God…when did that happen? Hugs to you and He has you both, HE is the third strand like you said, amen.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Ah… the storm. They come and they go. I remember when Chris lost Daniel (tears) and the lighthouse painting. I love that symbol for this week! My favorite painting is that Rembrandt! If you look closely you will see he is in it, looking at you!
I love, love, love the Sally and Aslan story. Meeting Sally last fall at a conference where Dee spoke was a highlight for me too!
2. Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
Always it seems! My husband has a tear in his eye and needs surgery this week. Please pray that “all is well that ends well.”
Laura, I googled a clearer image and looked… very neat…draws you into it even more. Thanks for sharing that tidbit.
I guess I am thinking of a different storm painting, whoops!
Here is a link to a previous study we did with the painting I was thinking of:
https://deebrestin.com/2012/05/lord-of-every-storm-two-week-study/
Thank you for this, I am going to read over it more, much needed, thank you.
Yes, Laura, that is the picture I found via Google. =)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The lighthouse picture always resonates deeply with me … I wonder if the artist knew she was painting it for a hospital waiting room…or if they just knew that feeling? The man in the door is just so at ease in his refuge… he will undoubtedly get wet but will not be swept away.
2. Are you in the midst of a small now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week. I also resonate with the picture because the man is alone… I do not know if it qualifies as a squall but I’m just lonely… no friends yet in our new town even after a almost a year… no church yet either …. am praying for this little community … the HOPE of Jesus is so needed (vs religion) ….it takes time, I know….
Jill I will be praying that God walks you down the road to where he wants you to be, to find the fellowship and teaching that continues to bring you closer to Him.
Jill, I am praying for you and your struggles.
What stands out to you from the above, and why? As always I am thinking of Chris and what she and her family went through. The ups and downs in the days that Daniel was in the hospital. She has been a great (real) example to me of the struggles that we face in situations like this and how it can draw us closer to God or have us turn angry and bitter.
Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week. My squall is work related which in the bigger scheme of things really isn’t that important. The one thing that I need prayer for is my attitude, both inwardly and outwardly, toward my co-workers and the situation in general. I need to focus on integrity and not on “fairness”.
Dawn, because you spend a lot of your time at work, I don’t think it’s insignificant at all, your “work squall”. I will pray for your attitude towards your coworkers and your work situation.
What stands out is the storm Chris endured with her son’s tragedy. That is a hard blow, yet the knowledge that he is with Jesus is comforting, though the loss is ever with her.
I feel like I am in a storm presently, but God is with me in it. When will it be over? Will I continue to be strong and have courage? Presently one answer has come to me. I will follow the nudge and stay the course. Storms test our faith and help our prayer life.
May you so sense His presence, Shirley.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
It was evening and they were crossing a lake. No lights onboard I’m sure… maybe some sort of lantern? They are escaping the crowds. Other board followed them. High waves broke over the boat when a “fierce” storm came up. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat as this happened. The disciples were afraid and woke Jesus up asking why He didn’t care that they were potentially going to drown.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
Other boats followed, He was in the back if the boat, and His head was on a cushion.
Laura-GREAT observations and details.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
How we can feel He is asleep in the boat in the middle of our squalls or tornados-oh how I can relate! How I want to come out of this growing in faith in wisdom.
2. Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week. Yes I am.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
It was evening.
Jesus invited them into the boat.
Jesus told them they were going to the other side.
There were other boats with him
The boat was nearly swamped (so it was about to go under?)
Jesus was in the stern on a cushion asleep
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
That there were other boats with him. (That said, for the first time in this passage I see a picture of Dee’s picture above with the lighthouse! Jesus, asleep in the boat, is the lighthouse and Jesus is also the man at the door, calm, not touched, not wet while the storm is lifting waves crazy all over the lighthouse-Jesus wants His disciples to trust Him like that man is trusting the lighthouse-he can even open the door and stand outside the doorway and trust.)
Thank you all for your prayers for us in prison. The Lord cares so much for these women that it seems His Spirit always falls powerfully. The women love Kathy too. Today we are in Death Row, tomorrow I am back in the general prisons. Pray for anointing again, please, and for me to get out of the way.
What a blessing for those women. Continued prayers for both of you.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I think of the storms Sally went through…husband abandoning her and her father’s illness! Too much and yet the Lord (and maybe unbeknownst to her at the time ) directed her to do a painting that I believe has helped others. Just like that lighthouse painting…bet the person who painted that had gone through their own storms. In the midst of the storm we can get so caught up with our pain, what’s happening to us, that it’s hard to see our Savior sitting right there beside us, but He is! It’s not always easy to remember that and that’s why it’s so important to be in His will, whether in a storm or on the mountain top…He will guide us through!
2. Are you in the midst of a squall now?
No, but as others have said above, I have friends who are and it’s important for me to comfort them with the comfort God has shown me. 2 Corinthians 1:4
It is so amazing how He works with each of us differently, knowing what we need and how to communicate with us. Yes, I imagine the artist of the lighthouse painting did know storms!
Monday
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, look carefully at details.
Evening is coming. It was Jesus’s idea to cross to the other side of the lake. Taking Jesus in the boat, they started out and left the crowds behind. Other boats followed. A fierce storm came up. The boat started filling up with water from the waves breaking into it. Jesus slept in the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up yelling “don’t You care that we’re going to drown?”
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
Other boats followed and Jesus sleeping with His head on a cushion.
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above scripture, and share what stands out to you.
That the unnecessary details of this story prove it isn’t fiction, “they have the mark of genuine reminiscence” according to Vincent Taylor. “We can know that this story – which is all about the power of Jesus – really happen!
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
It wasn’t anything really bad but the Lord did show me the importance of standing on His Word versus my feelings. It’s so easy to have a pity party for yourself and just waddle in it but it’s so much more freeing to give it over to God and bathe in His Word and amazing promises.
Tuesday
6. Read Mark 4:39-41
A. Make observations, noting detail.
Jesus got up, (rebuked the wind – it died down), (said to the waves, Quiet! Be still! – became completely calm). Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid? Do you still have no faith? They being terrified asked each other “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
B. What stands out to you and why?
Jesus asking them why they’re afraid? Do you still have no faith? I have so often seen my faith falter in times of storms and hearing Jesus asking me that same question…it stabs my heart!
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.” What do you learn about God?
He is power Himself. He is Lord of the storm. He provides all the healing, all the rest, all the power I could possibly want.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Chris’ loss always tears at my heart, such incredible pain.
Sally’s story of painting Aslan never fails to amaze me–His power to lead us as He desires, if only we submit to His hand on the brush.
I have always loved the story of Jesus calming the storm. His power over our circumstances. The root of our fear in not believing who He is. It’s easy to look at that scene of the boat and think I wouldn’t be fearful if Jesus were in the boat with me! And yet, He is in the boat with me every day, all day…and still I look at the waves and fear. I scurry looking for a safety vest instead of resting in His arms.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38 A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
It is Jesus who leads them to the storm “Let us go over to the other side.”
They ” nearly swamped.” They came close, but there was protection. Even when we are near death, He is close, and we are safe.
Jesus was in the stern, the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion, completely at peace.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
Where Jesus was sitting–at the back of the boat. That he was sleeping on a cushion. That there were other boats with them.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above, and why? Your daughter’s, Sally’s, story and video, wow! I knew part but had never known all of it. It truly touched me and now Im curious to stare at her painting more and look up Aslan more on the internet. I resonated with her abandonment, my first husband came back from a deployment to Saudi Arabi, and totally walked away from God. I was left with a 1.5 year old and found out that summer, I was pregnant when he had already left for Iceland, not taking us and later divorcing me.
Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
I am, I have no reason to squall compared to those around me, but my heart sank when I thought we would be getting more back on taxes, to which we are not and we owe our state this year. I just dont get it. I began to get angry with God telling him I am doing all I know to do and tithing faithfully, where is He? I had a pity party for myself and was tired of all this being on me, while my husband is deployed once again..Then I quickly felt ashamed for complaining when so many have far worse going on in their lives. I began to praise Him, and sat down and got in the word instead. I am still blah, but I choose to not stay in this state. I will praise Him in the storm. As they say, there is nowhere to go but up…
Staci, this is so hard. I’m sorry. We always seem to get two steps forward and then one step back. Do you know where your husband will be deployed this time? I will pray for you and peace through the storm.
He is in Turkey for a year; he’s been there now for almost 7 months. He will return for a visit in May for our daughters graduation. We don’t find out where we move until March. Then we move In August when he returns back from the year long deployment. We are hoping for Massachusetts so we can be near our youngest daughter . She will be attending college in Boston. I Think over 20 years of this lifestyle and I’m just over it now…I’m ready to be settled and not moving so much. I commend families that do it for 30. I don’t think we have it in us.
Oh Staci! If you move to Massachusetts I will be near you 😊.
Oh Staci — I hear your weariness at moving, not knowing.
Laura, yes that would be great! We are New Englanders and my husband would be in heaven to be back home after 22+ years. We pray everyday God’s perfect will and place where He wants us. So I am trying to not get too excited for Mass. 🙂
Staci, my heart goes out to you! It must be very hard on you as well, to be on your own while your husband deployed and you are responsible for so many things. I did not know of your first marriage…what a storm that was, to be left with a child and expecting another. You are a beautiful person who is so giving to others and compassionate and I expect that comes from what you yourself have endured. My son who is a doctor in the Navy will soon be done with his residency and will make his first move, along with his wife. Then, wait to see where he will be deployed (it will be his first).
Monday: Sleeping on a Cushion
The detail of Jesus sleeping on a cushion adds nothing to the plot. Keller says that is is there because “Jesus was sleeping on a cushion.” It is the mark, not of a fable, but, as Vincent Taylor put it, “genuine reminicence.” It’s there because this incident actually happened.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details. – ‘they took him along, just as he was, in the boat’. This seems odd to me. Not sure what just as he was is referring to, but I never saw this before. And, I never saw before ‘There were also other boats with them’ Were these boats holding the other disciples, or did the people they left behind get in boats to follow him since he left them behind.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line? – Well Keller gave us the one, that Jesus was sleeping on a pillow. This part of that really doesn’t matter. The more important part is that he was sleeping I think. Shows he was not worried like the disciples. I kind of think the part where there were other boats with him. I think the main point is that he was with the disciples getting away from the crowd.
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you. – I find it interesting that Keller helps us to see that an eyewitness with tell everything they remember, even if it doesn’t really matter and won’t help the situation any. It goes on to say that because of the detail in verses 35-38 in Mark 4 it shows that this really did happen and Peter was telling us exactly what he remembered.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you. – For me, my squall can be my bad attitude. I’m finding that he is helping me find the good in a situation and helping me reason my way through so I can see what he is trying to show me. I’m feeling more peace in my life as I continue to dig deeper and focus on Him.
Julie — love how you said your storm can be your bad attitude. Zing. We’d rather name our circumstances!
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details. How have I never noticed it said Jesus was sleeping on a cushion? I did notice right away is said “leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in a boat.” I think it’s significant they took Jesus, leaving the crowds behind, they took the most important person along..
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line? What seemed unnecessary was “they took him along, just as he was…, in a boat”. But this tells me maybe Jesus was alone in his own boat? I dont understand why they would say, just as he was?? The squall makes sense, represents life and how we have squalls come up in our life…I am still stumped at the ‘just as he was’ detail. Maybe he was at peace, no cares or concerns?
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
The scientific explanation of the storms in that area, due to the warmer temps coming off the sea and colder temps clashing from the mountains above, it was the norm for that area, nothing new that experienced fisherman from that location didnt know. So this storm, as stated in Keller’s book, must have been one storm they had not seen or experienced before.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.I have so many, and God always shows up, maybe not in my timing or when I think He should, but God is faithful to His word, he never leaves us nor forsakes us. Most recent this morning, doing my taxes, I wanted to just cry and wallow in self pity…and then I had to stop, give it to God and say I trust you Lord, even though I am mad, disheartened and angry right now, I choose to trust You and your word. Then I got in my bible and studied scripture He had laid on my heart last night as I was drifting off to sleep. The lesson I took away, this squall could have easily derailed what God was trying to show me last night, and I could have easily focused on my disappointments and wallowed in them, and not gotten in the Bible like God wanted me to do today. I am so thankful, I cried, gave it to God best I could and moved on. I didnt lie to God, I did admit I was still disheartened, but there was nothing more I could do but pray and trust him. Getting in the Word really lifted my spirits and I can see why the enemy possibly wanted me to get so discouraged today, I had much to learn in the word today and it was so refreshing. I am in awe of God. I truly needed this today and I too was focusing on the storm and letting life get to me. This was a break through for me, as I am a worrier by nature and I know this is not what God wants me to do.
I have been praying for you also Dee, cant wait to hear more about all that God has done through you and Kathy. I got to do sr. citizens ministry yesterday, oh my heart loved every minute of it!
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
It was so very interesting listening to Sally’s talk at the Wade Center where her painting is now. I appreciated learning more details of the storm of chaos that was whirling around her prior to and after she did the drawing and also how it has brought comfort to many. I wish I could attend one of her art therapy sessions. I don’t feel very artistic at all but I know God can use art to touch one’s soul.
2. Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
I am going through a huge transition right now with my husband’s retirement. It is minor compared to the storms that many are going through, but I feel a little overwhelmed and lost.
Thanks for listening to Sally, Diane.
I’m sure retirement is a big adjustment, may the Lord make your path clear, dear sister.
3 A. At evening Jesus wanted to go across to the other side of the lake. There was a crowd there, and they took Jesus “just as he was.” Other boats were there also. Jesus was asleep in the stern, on a cushion. B. What seems unnecessary to the plot line is “just as he was”, also that other boats were there and that he slept on a cushion!
4. what stands out? Keller shares that Mark is an excellent story teller, revealing Jesus gradually. He is also a faithful reporter, sharing the details of the setting. Eyewitnesses record many details “simply because they remember them.”
Well I had a brief squall a few months ago when a person was upset with me and reacted strongly. I am very sensitive to outbursts and it startled me. I spoke quickly saying, “Well, I do love you, E.” However this made her reaction more dramatic as she said, “Don’t give me that.”
I was able to leave the room, but my mind kept replaying this scene. It became a need for prayer and I have moved on. I am glad the Lord gave me those words to speak, though .
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
– One of the marks of an eyewitness account is “irrelevant detail.”
– Vincent Taylor, the prominent twentieth-century biblical scholar, said that these details were “so unnecessary to the story” and therefore have the marks of “genuine reminiscence.”
– Professional fishermen from Galilee (like Jesus’s disciples) were used to them (the storms). This storm must therefore have been an incredible one, because experienced sailors though they were, they thought they were going to die.
– When Jesus was with the Pharisees on the Sabbath he said, “I am not just someone who can instruct you to take rest; I am rest itself.” Now by his actions here Jesus is demonstrating, “I am not just someone who has power; I am power itself.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail.
When Jesus wakes He silences the wind and waves by commanding them to stop. They immediately stop. Then there was a great calm. He turns to the disciples and asked them why they were afraid and if they still had no faith? The disciples were terrified of His power over the wind and waves. They wondered just who He was.
B. What stands out to you and why?
I guess two things stand out to me; as TK says, these were seasoned fishermen who had probably endured many a storm on this lake before. Why v was this one so bad? Or what was it about this storm that had them so scared? Also, wouldn’t they understand that if He were really who He said He was that He could do anything including calm the storm?
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.” What do you learn about God?
I messed up yesterday and read too far and put my connects in a different post whoops! I did find this interesting though when I went back today:
“…Jesus did not conjure; he did not call on a higher authority.”
About God:
Ancient cultures believed that only God could calm the sea.
“If he’s Lord of the storm, then no matter what shape the world is in—or your life is in—you will find Jesus provides all the healing, all the rest, all the power you could possibly want.”
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Thank You Lord for being “Lord of the storm” for me. I trust You are watching over me and helping me always. I will always trust You. I am loyal even in the worst times. I have learned my lesson; that even when it seems hopeless, if I keep my eyes on You, I will make it through. The evil one will not prevail in my life! I won’t let him. I will resist temptation and know You are with me. Thank You for Your Grace. Amen.
Good prayer, Laura!
love, love your prayer!
Love this, “if I keep my eyes on You, I will make it through.” Yes!
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above, and why?Sigh…that picture is still real hard for me.Seeing our story is still real hard. The counselor we saw last week asked Bill and me about Daniel, we both froze. These two quotes stood out to me:
“Chris’s Daniel, however did die, but then, because he knew Jesus,flew into His arms for all eternity.”
“Have you ever faced a storm and felt like Jesus was asleep in the boat?”
Those 3 weeks in the hospital especially I did feel abandoned by God, alone in the desert. I was knocked for a loop that something so terrible could happen to us as believers. I knew intellectually that we are not promised a life free from REALLY bad things, but at bottom I had believed that we would be insulated somehow.
God and his sovereignty are bigger to me than before. I still really want to grow in my trust, in feeling that I take refuge in him, even when I don’t like what he is allowing.
Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.I shared that our son Zach had hernia surgery last week and that there was a concern of lymphoma. The scan didn’t raise more cause for alarm, but there is still a concern, he has to follow up. I had hoped that the concern would have been alleviated. I was really grateful that they moved his surgery up a week as his initial date was this coming Friday and Bill and I have vacation plans. I was really struggling with whether or not we ought to cancel our plans- I always buy trip insurance for cruises but somehow had skipped it this time. I was so relieved when the date was moved up. I took the day of the surgery off work and was able to care for him over the weekend.
Those of you in the Facebook group know that our son Mike is in Iraq. The danger there is real. He has been afraid and has asked for prayer. Sometimes I really fear the next hard thing.
Chris, prayers and hugs…
Love you Chris ♥️. Prayers for Zach and Mike.
Thankful his surgery moved up. Oh Lord, please watch over him and heal him. And Zach – -please the same with him, O Lord.
Praying for you, and your son in Iraq. My husband is in Turkey and tells me there is just a lot going on and that’s all he can say. I will pray peace and protection over your son Mike. What does he do in the military, what branch? Praying for peace over your heart as well.
Chris continuing to pray for Mike and the rest of the troops and for your family. I know all to well how hard having someone serving our country can be. May God give you the peace you are needing until Mike is home safe.
Thank you so for your prayers for us as we minister with Discipleship Unlimited in the prisons. Yesterday in Death Row went so well. The Lord is so present. Please keep praying today. Thank You!
Dee,
Yes, praying for you and Kathy Troccoli as you “adorn the dark” with the light of Christ today.
Continued prayers for you and Kathy as you finish up His work this week.
Tuesday
8. Pray this scripture…
I am thankful that You are the Lord of the storm and when experiencing a storm may I be drawn to my knees in worship of You. To remember You are my present help in times of trouble!
Wednesday
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
What impressed my heart was during this storm the “waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.” It took me back to storms I’ve been through in my life and that feeling of drowning because the pain was just so much, too much to bare!
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts or questions?
“Jesus can still love someone and let bad things happen because He is God – because He knows better than they do.” God is sovereign over all. Not an easy lesson to learn.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
I know You love me Lord because of what You did for me on the cross,”Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God didst die for me.” Thank You that whatever result a storm my bring in my life I can say with David from Psalm 86:13a, “Your love for me is very great…”
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail. Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves. Then the wind and waves died down and calmness came.
B. What stands out to you and why?
Jesus didnt rebuke the storm, but the “emotions” of the storm. I think this really spoke to me. Then peace came when He did this. It doesnt state He made the storm go away, but he gave peace IN the storm, causing the elements of the storm to become calm. This really is an aha moment for me. I have not red Keller’s take on it yet, I like to see if I see what he sees or something new.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
Wow, if this was all I read in this whole book and bible study, this was well worth it! So much to take away, and this really makes me see when I pray God’s will…this is what I am asking for…good or bad, God still is in control and I have to trust that. I like what Keller stated that Jesus is not under our control.So many times I have been guilty of if I just pray harder, or pray this Scripture or that, it will move God or the storms of life. I do believe in the power of praying scripture, but it doesnt always go my way or how I think God is going to handle the storms. Sometimes, like stated in the Bible, he just calms the situation, or gives us peace and endurance to get through the storms of life. He loves us through the tough times. I have to trust God knows best. Keller takeaway that I really liked in his book: “He lets things happen that I dont understand. He doesnt do things according to my plan, or in a way that makes sense to me. But if Jesus is God, then he’s got to be great enough to have some reasons to let you go through things you cant understand. His power is unbounded, but so are his wisdom and his love…Jesus is filled with untamable love for you.”
What do you learn about God? His ways are not always my ways, and his ways are higher than mine. It reminds me of this scripture “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in
your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Lord I come to you today, humbling myself, my thoughts and my ways. Forgive me when I try to move you to my will, or try to outthink what your next move is. Help me to just be still, to trust you when the storms come and rage around me. I feel like that a lot lately and it can wear me down. Help me to just trust you and your will for my life and family. Help me to not fret or try to overthink or figure out everything. Help me to just focus on today, to just be present in today, your love and what you have for me today. Tomorrow will work itself out, for you are in the future already. Thank you for calming the storm and seeing me through this tough season. Thank you for helping me to grow and lean on you more through these storms. In all these things I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
So good Staci. Love this
Jesus is filled with untamable love for you.”
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail. – Jesus rebuked the wind and SPOKE for them to be quiet, be still. He questioned the disciples about their faith. They terrified and questioned each other on who Jesus is that the waves obey him
B. What stands out to you and why? – Are the disciples just making the statement of ‘who is he’ just to speak, or do they really not know who he is still. I wonder how long they need to be around Him to realize the power he has over everything.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
What do you learn about God? – Jesus does not go to a higher power to get the power he needs to perform his miracles, he is all the power we need. Jesus just doesn’t command us to rest, he is Rest. The world we live in has now power or control over us, if we are in Jesus we have the power he has on loan from him. We need to not just sit back and wait, we need to SPEAK like Jesus spoke to the storm.
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him. – Lord, I need to SPEAK. I ask you Lord that you loan me the power I need to walk through the storms that come at me daily. No matter how small they are, Lord I know if I’m in you, you are with me during these storms and will speak through me for the storm to be quiet, for the squall to be still. Thank you Lord for loaning me what I need to conquer the storms.
8. (skipping to prayer tonight)
Father God, You are a God of love and mercy; I lift up my prayer to you on behalf of my dear friend whose son is battling this destructive cancer. As David pleaded, Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me(and to Deb), for in you my soul takes refuge; In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God, Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose in me. Please Father, surround Deb with your love this night. Bring a sense of calm to her. this storm is a huge one, that seems never ending. I know she loves you and she is discouraged. She is angry and feels so helpless in this battle. Help me to reach her with some words of comfort.
I do thank you that she has given her heart to you and shows such love to her family. I thank you, Lord for never ceasing to give steadfast love. You are a faithful Father. I pray in Jesus’s name and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Her son, Chris, is 34, is engaged and has been having chemo since September. He has been through previous cancer treatments.
Amen to your prayer, Shirley.
Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details. The text is specific about the time of day. The text specifies it was Jesus who suggested going to the other side. They all left the crowd. It is interesting that it says “they took him with them (ESV)” even though He was the one who decided they should leave. Other boats were with him … never before saw that there was more than one boat. This means many were in the squall and many saw His power. The boat was “already filling” meaning it was failing … it wasn’t just a storm but a deadly storm. Jesus was in the stern on a cushion. He needed rest. The disciples accuse him, nit only of not caring about their peril but His as well.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot line? Technically most of the details are “unnecessary “ because the crux of the story is that Christ had the power to command Creation. The rest just illuminates the context to make it richer and draw us in to let us see we are the same…human, with human emotions just like they all were in Christ’s time watching this amazing story unfold.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you. The Lord has provided in so many ways. I have been out of work for 6 weeks because of a broken elbow but not only was it wonderful time off with my kids during holidays God provided financially. Also… as an ICU nurse it does not escape me that I am in the boat with people that have tremendous squalls… I am always grateful and amazed when the patient and I make it through the shift (usually with mostly positive outcomes) … we are both in His hand.
As an ICU nurse I am in the boat with people experiencing tremendous squalls. Love that heart.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
On THAT day, when it was evening- not a different day, THAT day
THEY took him with them, I thought that was odd, it makes it sound like they were going with or without Jesus?
“just as he was” that was remarkable too 🙂 – How else could he be?
The obvious strange thing was that Jesus needed to be awakened, the storm had not accomplished disturbing him.
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
Jesus asks if they still have no faith? They were also terrified of Him for His power.
I find these lines to be interesting…after all He had already done, he is asking them if they are still lacking in their faith! It reminds me that I should remember all the times He has helped me in the past and to keep faithful no matter the storm. I guess it would have been scary to see Him calm the storm, but again, they had seen Him perform miracles (like healing) before this. Why were they “so terrified” now? That would have been scarier to me (the healings).
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
”If the disciples had really known that Jesus loved them, if they had really understood that he is both powerful and loving, they would not have been scared.” This reminds me of Sally and her painting… the lion and the lamb.
Nature doesn’t have a way to feel, it is only able to be powerful. God is both; powerful and emotional. He may allow us to have storms, but he also protects us within the storm. I wish we were in tune enough to recognize the protection when it is there.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
Lord, thank You for showing Yourself in the storm. Just even something small, like the eye doctor being in the office last Saturday when we called… this was You, I know it. If she wasn’t, we may have delayed and fretted. I know it is difficult when we are going through these awful times, but if we take ourselves out of the situation for a moment, view the problem with a different perspective, we may see Your hand. In the midst of my my most painful times I have experienced that love; the phone call out of the blue, when our son ran away, the knowing where to go look another time he ran away, somehow knowing Sarah was going to have an abortion and I fought hard with her and won (our Grace is a beautiful Valentine’s baby). I could go on and on. Thank You Lord. This is how I know You love me. Amen.
Didn’t know about the abortion story. Wow.
I know….”something” told me there was something fishy going on. I pressed her because she was using my car and I needed it. I argued with her about the car and then it popped in my head what she was up to! I texted her what I thought was going on and pointed out to her that she could get through anything and she had several choices she could make other than an abortion. I pointed out to her how beautiful and sweet her Cooper was; I wouldn’t give up. She finally caved.
Unfortunately, I have many stories ones like this one to tell. One day I will in a book, with the names changed to protect the innocent! I actually have some of it written because it helped me process everything I went through with those two kids. Maybe I need to talk to your publisher?? I always thought it could be a book to encourage Christians in their walk with their teens.
Yes, how appropriate to share this to encourage Christians in their walk with their teens. Or prodigal sons and daughters.
Shirley, I originally thought it would be a book of hope, and it still may be, but I always envisioned that the outcome would look differently than it really does today. We have a “new normal” that isn’t what I expected at all. It isn’t awful though, just different than what I would have wanted. God is like that though, right? He sews up our lives the way He wants them, not as we want them. He knows what is best.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail.
I can’t imagine what it was like for the disciples when the storm went from fury (almost capsizing their boat) to complete calm after Jesus told it to be quiet.
B. What stands out to you and why?
That they were still terrified after Jesus stopped the storm-I would assume they would be happy and joyous after Jesus calmed the storm for He saved their lives, but their focus went from the fear of dying in the storm to fearing Jesus in verse 41.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
What do you learn about God?
The sea was ungovernable by any power but God. Jesus completely calmed it simply using three words telling it to be quiet. He didn’t call on a higher authority to quiet it.
Jesus isn’t someone who can instruct us to take rest, HE is rest itself. He isn’t someone who has power, He is power itself. Anyone or anything on earth that has power has it on loan from God. If Jesus is Lord of the storm, and He is, then no matter what shape the world or my life is in I will find Jesus provides all the healing, rest and power I could ever want.
Whoa-He is speaking to me now reminding me that He is in my storm and He is my rest, He is my healer and He is my power. I have seen through this storm, that I can easily -depending on the day- put my comfort/security in circumstances like the Disciples did during the storm. Sometimes it feels like God is asleep because there is no change in my circumstances, but like Dee said above. Either he will fix it or allow it and walk with me through the pain and changes that need to be made. He will give me courage when I am afraid. I have asked that He would give me courage because I am frail. He keeps coming to me in His word and this blog and others to comfort, and help me. He hasn’t stopped my storm yet but He is walking through it with me.
You amaze me, Rebecca.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41
A. Make observations, noting detail. Jesus awakes, not to the storm but to His disciples … He stops the storm with His words. Interesting that He stops the storm instead of stopping the worry. He could have assured His disciples and sat with them through the storm to prove a point but instead He chooses to show them His authority seemingly just to increase their faith… so they could perhaps trust Him in the next storm.
B. What stands out to you and why? See above. Jesus awoke to His bride’s voice and did the impossible to calm her in order to give the gift of trust. He could have just done the miracle in their hearts, or in the boat… but He chose the big thing.
8. Pray this scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, orby using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him. Father, I confess I am truly selfish and untrusting… I see the storm as a threat instead of focusing on You as the Creator and Authority. God grant me peace that I would know you are holding me secure in the storms. May I not forget in any moment who You are. Amen.
9. We should not fear whatever the situation is not even death because God is in control.
10. I have to trust God and know He knows what is best. When I am in the storm don’t get mad, make the best of it.
11. Lord God, I thank you for your instruction. I thank you that you are teaching me and growing me up in your word. Lord forgive me for focussing on the storm more than you at times. I thank you for this study that is sharpening me.
Thursday
12. Read Jonah 1
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
It was a storm that threatened to break the ship apart. Feared for their lives. Jonah slept through the storm just as Jesus did. The captain yelled at him, “how can you sleep at a time like this?” The sailors were terrified when they heard that Jonah worshiped the Lord. After throwing Jonah into the sea they were awestruck by the Lord’s great power as the storm stopped at once.
B. Note any differences.
Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side, here Jonah was going against Gods will…going in the opposite direction. The Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea…it doesn’t say this in Mark but He very well could have. Of course Jonah isn’t Jesus. Jonah knew who he worshipped and that He made the sea and the land. Jonah ended up in the sea.
Wednesday: Don’t You Care?
The late Paul Little, an evangelist from the later 1900’s, said that the real question when tragedy strikes is not “Why did this happen,” but “does God love me?”
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share. – Reading through this again I see this time that the waves were so high they were coming in to the boat. I just wonder how big these boats are that Jesus did not wake up on his own by getting wet. If they are regular small fishing boats I would guess that it was starting to sink which panicked the disciples.
6. Jesus awoke and rebuked the storm. And when he spoke the wind ceased and there was a calm sea!
Jesus asked them why they were afraid and did they not have faith? they were filled with fear and wondered, Who is this that even the wind
and sea obey?
7. Keller says that “the ocean in full fury has ungovernable, inexorable power and only God can control it!” So therefore if Jesus can do this, he is exercising power that only God has. Yes, Jesus has all the healing, all the power and all the rest we could possibly want.”
8. Yesterday I prayed for my friend, Deb, who is in a nightmare of a storm, seeing her son battling cancer. Today we talked and prayed for a time- then she received an incredible text from Chris’s fiancee: A donor match has been found for him for an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
God is at work and we will trust his work in her family’s life.
Shirley, that is so great about the donor match for your friend, Deb’s, son in answer to your prayers. Praise you, Jesus!
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions. – I’m realizing as Keller explains more of the verses 38-41 that he points out that before Jesus calmed the storm the disciples were afraid but afterward they were terrified. The power Jesus had over the power of the storm was more terrifying then the storm itself. He went on to say that because of the infinitely more power that Jesus had over the storm made them realize that they had even less control over Jesus than they did the storm. I also liked the sentences he put in by Elisabeth Elliot, especially “Of course he’s not safe. Who said anything about being safe? But he’s good. He’s the King.” It is so reassuring to me that “Jesus is filled with untamable love for me.” I have no control over the amount of love Jesus has for me and that is a good thing.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life. – Lord, your untamable love for me is a comfort to me. Knowing how much you love me, even when I’m at my worst, reassures me that no matter what storm I’m facing, you will be there with me. I don’t need to be afraid of the storm and I don’t need to be terrified of the power you have to get me through that storm. And that can give me the peace I know I will need as the storms come my way. Thank you Lord for always being there with me. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN!
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
Jesus and the disciples are leaving the shore and escaping the crowds. Jonah is leaving Joppa to escape God.
There was a powerful storm with great winds that threatened to break apart the ship, just like on the Sea of Galilee.
The sailors were afraid and called out to “their gods” to save them. The disciples were afraid and called to Jesus to save them.
Jonah was asleep in the hold during this time. Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat during the storm.
Jonah was a Hebrew, and so were the disciples.
When the sailors threw Jonah into the sea the storm called. When Jesus told the sea and wind to stop, it calmed too.
The sailors were “awestruck” (one version says terrified) by the calming. The disciples were “terrified” by the power Jesus had.
B. Note any differences.
Jonah was given a specific task by God. Jesus just tells the disciples they are going to the other side of the sea.
Jonah was running away from God. The disciples were traveling with Jesus.
Jesus (God) was physically in the boat with the disciples. Jonah was in the ship with the sailors and others.
The sailors shouted “to their gods” but the disciples shouted to Jesus.
The sailors threw cargo overboard. Nothing was thrown over by the disciples.
Jonah was asleep in the hold. Jesus was asleep on the top of the boat (with a cushion).
Jonah was blamed for the storm. No one was blamed in the Mark story.
Jonah was thrown into the sea. No one was thrown into the Sea of Galilee.
There was a great fish that swallowed Jonah. No fish that swallowed anyone in the Mark story.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
“People who believe more must not be hard on those who believe less. Why? Because faith ultimately is not a virtue; it’s a gift.”
“In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “One greater than Jonah is here,” and he’s referring to himself: I’m the true Jonah.”
“If the sight of Jesus bowing his head into that ultimate storm is burned into the core of your being, you will never say, “God, don’t you care?” And if you know that he did not abandon you in that ultimate storm, what makes you think he would abandon you in the much smaller storms you’re experiencing right now? And, someday, of course, he will return and still all storms for eternity. If you let that penetrate to the very center of your being, you will know he loves you. You will know he cares. And then you will have the power to handle anything in life with poise.” I love that last line!
I’m not usually a lover of poetry, however I do like this poem he includes:
“When through the deep waters I call you to go, The rivers of woe shall not overflow; For I will be with you, your troubles to bless, And sanctify to you your deepest distress. The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
Great hymn, Laura.
Oh! What’s the name of it Dee?
How Firm A Foundtion!
Laura, I think the title of the hymn Keller quotes is “How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord.” Here is a link to words. https://hymnary.org/text/how_firm_a_foundation_ye_saints_of
I know that one!
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
It was Jesus’ idea to cross the lake that evening. Hmm…did He know about the coming storm in advance? There were those in other boats that followed Jesus and His disciples. The storm was so severe that their boat was filling with water. Now I’m interested to know what those in the other boats were experiencing. As fully a human as well as fully God, I wonder, how could Jesus remain asleep during all this turmoil? He had his head resting on a cushion. Wasn’t he getting splashed with water? Jesus spoke to the wind and waves as if they were alive, telling them to stop and be still. It didn’t take a while for things to calm down; it says “suddenly” the storm just stopped. The disciples were terrified at the storm, and they were also terrified when Jesus stopped the storm.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
That there were people in other boats that followed them. That Jesus’ head was resting on a cushion.
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
What stands out to me is that Mark, in his gospel, is gradually but faithfully revealing who Jesus is – his power, his purpose, and his self-understanding. And the explanations from two different biblical scholars about eyewitness accounts, that these accounts often contain irrelevant details that are so unnecessary to the story that they have the marks of genuine remembrance.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
This was just a “small squall” at work yesterday, but I work as a staff nurse on a very busy surgical/orthopedic unit and yesterday, the 12 hour shift turned into 13 and I only had time to quickly eat a banana and I was wearing very thin…I had one patient who was rather sarcastic with me and only God helped me to keep a smile on my face and continue to be nice and pleasant. I tried to do everything in a timely fashion with this man. When it came time for him to be discharged and I knew he had a ride coming to pick him up, I got his paperwork together and went over all his instructions with him and then called for transportation to come take him to the lobby in a wheelchair. But he had the last word – because he was going to have to wait 20 minutes for transportation, even though I called them a second time to see if they could come sooner, we all saw him on his crutches going past the nurses’ station in a huff because he wasn’t going to wait. There were other difficulties with other patients….IV’s infiltrating and grumpy residents. I had a very difficult IV to restart and I just prayed that I’d be able to do it and I did; another patient I could not do it. It was a long, busy, and often frustrating day, but I try to keep the patient in the forefront and not my exhaustion.
Thanks, Susan, for sharing your work squall. So many people have no idea of the job of nursing. I remember challenges similar and the prayers that helped me through, but I never had that 12 hour shift. Glad you can put the patient in the forefront and not your exhaustion.
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
Both Jesus and Jonah were on a boat. The storm hit and was going to take the boat down like in Mark 4. Jonah was asleep like Jesus was asleep. The Men were terrified they were going to drown. After throwing Jonah overboard they greatly feared the Lord. After Jesus calmed the sea the Disciples were terrified.
B. Note any differences.
Jesus invited the Disciples to come on the boat. Jonah got on the boat to escape from God.
The men on the ship worshipped different gods. In Mark 4 the Disciples worshipped God.
The men had to throw Jonah into the sea to calm the sea, and the sea “grew” calm. Jesus used 3 words to calm the sea, and it was “completely” calm.
After God calmed the sea through Jonah the men feared God and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to Him. After Jesus calmed the sea the Disciples were terrified but what came out of their mouth was, who is this? The Disciples were terrified, in wonder of who Jesus is. In Jonah’s story, the men feared God too but maybe were looking at themselves and how His power could ruin them in a second so they offered sacrifice to God and made vows.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41
A. Make observations, noting detail.
Jesus wakes up to the frightened disciples and the wild storm, yet he is perfectly calm. It doesn’t say that he “does”‘ anything…he just talks to the storm as if it is a living thing, telling the wind and waves to be quiet and be still. And they obey. Suddenly, instantly. Then Jesus asks the others why they were so afraid? The disciples are even more terrified, apparently of Jesus, as in “who is this man”?
B. What stands out to you and why?
The sudden and instantaneous obedience of the weather to Jesus, and that he seems to question his disciples for being afraid and not having faith. It seems Jesus expected more out of them in this situation than they were able to give.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power”. What do you learn about God?
This story from Mark really makes the point that Jesus himself IS God. When He commanded the storm to stop, Jesus didn’t call on a higher authority. He showed that He doesn’t get his power from a higher being, but rather He IS power itself. In the midst of life’s storms, Jesus gives us all the healing, rest, and power we need.
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Jesus, thank you that I can know that you are in control of life and any storm that comes. You don’t have to appeal to anyone for help because it is you who has the power and authority to do anything. Thank you that though storms may be hard, you tell me that I don’t have to be afraid and that I am to have faith and trust in You.
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4. – A great wind came up and a violent storm was sent. Everyone on the boat was afraid; The captain asked Jonah how he could be sleeping; The sailors were terrified of what Jonah told them about God because they already knew what he had done.
B. Note any differences. – The sailors cried out to their own gods because they were afraid; Jonah was below sleeping; The sailors cried out to the Lord to not let them die for taking Jonah’s life when they threw him overboard; They made sacrifices to the Lord for saving them.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember. – Oh my goodness. I LOVE THIS BOOK. This whole section is one I will have to reread. I’ve highlighted so much in this book so far. I loved the comparison Keller makes between Jonah and Jesus and how plainly he makes us see that Jesus, like Jonah had to die so we would be saved. I loved too that faith is not a virtue it is a gift. Knowing Jesus died for us and knew that he would have to do that in order for us to live has to be embedded in my mind and heart in order to walk through the storm with peace because my faith in Jesus helping me and saving me is more powerful than any storm that will come my way. The story of the branch sticking out as the person was falling, WOW, Jesus is the only branch I need, that I can and need to depend on. WOW! WOW! WOW!
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9. What stands out to me is verse 40: Jesus said,Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?
10. Unmanageable Power: The disciples may have been thinking, Doesn’t he love us, because if he does love us he wouldn’t let us go through
this life-threatening storm. However the premise is wrong because Jesus does allow those he loves to go through these storms.
The storm had immense power, but Jesus’ power is infinitely greater.
My thoughts are that my faith is sure, yet still I need more when life’s squalls and storms assault me. Then I feel so weak.I
Prayer: Father God, You are a good, good Father. I am so thankful that you never leave me or forsake me. Your promises are true, and I love your Word. Forgive me for my weakness in times of turmoil when I feel that I am sinking because of my sin, my selfishness and my idol of perfectionism. I need your help to stand firm and to obey during these struggles. Thank you for loving me and I know there is a purpose in what you allow to come into my life. May your will be done. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
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3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
There wasn’t any mention of what happened to the other boats.
I was wondering why the disciples said, “don’t you care…?” I would maybe just waken Him up? At least they have the wherewithal to ask the Lord of the storm for help. But how easy they have forgotten what Jesus has done so far.The squall did not bother Jesus.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
That He was sleeping on a cushion-must have been very tired.
1. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
Jesus saying, “I am not just someone who has power; I am power itself.”
2. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
May to December when Mom was seriously ill and we were thinking she is on the verge of death. There were so many challenges we had to face and the expenses were enormous. But the Lord helped me and my husband deal with the physical, financial, and emotional strain that was placed on us. When I looked back, it felt like the waves were never going to subside. Now, I see Romans 8:28 come to fruition.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail.
He was kind to quiet the storm before He turned to His disciples.
They were scared to see how Jesus can calm the storm just with His command.
B. What stands out to you and why?
He addressed their concern FIRST by quieting the storm before He rebuked them. Jesus can speak to my storm without reprimanding me of my fears.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
What do you learn about God?
God is Lord of the storm. No storm is too powerful for Him to subdue.
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Lord, I praise you that you the Lord of the storm, my storms. Forgive me for the times that I have turned to my idols when storms come-my knowledge, manipulation for control, negative emotions instead of trusting you. Still my heart, O God. In quietness and trust will I find your strength. I give you my fears and let the Spirit’s calm overflow when storms come. Let me look to you and keep my eyes focus on you. Thank you that you will always be in the boat with me.
Thursday
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me on the cross, being thrown into the depths of a storm like I’ll never know, how can I not realize how much He loves me, how much He cares and understands and that He will be there for every storm in my life, no matter how small or big…I need to remember that He’s the source of my faith and He’ll provide it when I ask.
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
Jonah prayed by crying out to the Lord like a David does in the Psalms.
He seems to have faith that he will see the Lord’s “Holy Temple” again.
He was brought up from the dark, depths of the water. This is reminding me of that “deep reaches to deep passage we have studied (also Psalms?). He acknowledges the Lord for bringing him up from the pit.
He speaks of idols and how they will never give steadfast love.
He thanks the Lord for saving him. He promises that he will be faithful to Him and sing praises to Him. The Lord responds by having the fish spit Jonah out onto the land.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Oh Lord, You and You alone are the only one who can save me from the depths of my life. Thank You for that. I am faithful to You. I am getting better at staving off my idols so I have a clear picture of You, not them in my head. I am not perfect; I fail. But, I am trying to replace them with You. I’m sorry I can’t just get rid of them altogether. It’s so hard to be human! I will continue to ward off the evil one as best as I can. Please help me in my depths Lord. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Thank you sooo much for praying for the prison — truly, it was amazing. So many God Hunts. The women are soooo hungry and appreciative and it is amazing how they are transformed. The joy on death row was amazing.
I had hoped to see Lizzy yesterday on a layover in Charlotte, but storms prevented it. 🙂 I got rerouted. So close — we were both sad. Praying God will make a way another day.
Eager to have some time to catch up on your comments.
Yay!! So glad to hear this Dee. How did Kathy respond? I am sure she was in awe too! Sad you and Lizzy missed one another but I am sure God will make a way.
So glad all went well and that you had so many God hunts the whole time. I was wondering if you would be delayed anywhere, grateful you are home safe.