Let Us Go to the Other Side a sermon by Pastor Dennis Echols
Mark 4:35-41
After performing miracles, teaching and healing all the day, doing ministry service, Jesus was tired. His physical man needed rest along with his disciples. But, even in the midst of his tiredness, he had a destination and determination to do the will of his father.
V 35 “Let us pass over to the other side” Let us make another journey. Let us go another way. Our work on this side is complete. We must continue on with our destiny. We can not stop here because there are other places that we must go. There are other people we must meet. There are others whose lives must impact us and whose lives we must impact. Jesus determined to make a difference and not take what God had given him for granted. His mission did not end on that side of the river but he had to go to the other side.
During Jesus’ journey he rested. There are times that we must rest. There are times we must reflect and ask the questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? Where am I going? What path have I chosen for my life? Have I impacted anyone positively during my life? Can anyone really depend on me? Can God depend on me? Is God pleased with the things that I am doing with my life? Where will I spend eternity when all of this is over? Or is my life filled with excuses and selfish acts that only fulfill my needs. Or am I a right now person, in other words I’ll do whatever I want to do right now no matter the consequences.
Jesus and his disciple’s journey took him to the other side. During his quest to reach his destination a storm arose. A storm that would do them irreparable harm. A storm that made them think about their situation. A storm that could potentially change their lives forever. A storm arose that affected their faith. They lost it. They showed great fear.
They really forgot the power of Jesus. Don’t it seem like God is sleep during our troubles?
They called him and charged him with forgetting that they could perish and not knowing the danger that they faced. But the song says: Jesus knows all about our struggles he will guide till the day is done There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus no not one, not one. “and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? I am saying today why are you so fearful of turning your life over to Christ today? He cares that you perish in this world and with the things of this world. Colossians 3:1b Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Mt
God knows the trouble in your life. He knows what you face. He knows how to fix it. He knows if you are faithful to him. He doesn’t forget how we treat him. Today he is giving you every opportunity to reach your destiny. They reached the other side but not without trauma and turmoil. But Jesus saw them through and if you make him your choice today he can see you through. Prayer - Lord, forgive me today. I am challenged by the cares of this life but I want to live for you. Please forgive me for my sins and save me and help me to reach the destination that you have planned for my life. For with your help I am determined to reach the other side. Amen.