Wild Winds and Raging Seas

(we have had further computer problems over past week but hope they are now solved; here is my Dulverton sermon)

THE CALMING OF THE STORM

2^nd before Lent: Luke 8.22-25

“Where is your faith?”

The Church is sometimes called ‘Peter’s Boat’ as it sails and survives the stormy waters of the centuries carrying the gospel to each new generation, protected by the presence of Jesus on board with the apostles. When we turn to the Lord to take control and preserve us by restoring calm to confusion He still asks the challenging question “Where is your faith?”

“Where is your faith?” is a good question from the Lord for the rapidly approaching season of Lent. Let me suggest three different ways in which we can hear it:

First, as rebuke.

In the original gospel story the Lord appears to be rebuking the disciples for losing, or having too little, faith amidst the storm. Their faith is in danger of being blown away by a gust of wind. Fair weather Christians expect life to be a bed of roses and when they find it rough sea they stop believing and worshipping. Jesus seems to be saying “Come on, with my help you can do better than that”.

Second, as renewal.

Interpreted in this way the Lord’s question seems to imply that it is never too late for a renewal of faith. In the original story the disciples at least had the good sense not to completely despair but to call for help rather than just relying upon their own resources. They turned to the right place and person calling Jesus ‘Master’ which was an acknowledgement of his authority and power over them and the waves. “OK” says Jesus “I can build on that. Hold on and I will help you out of your hole”.

Third, as reassurance.

This reassurance is given to them because the question about their faith isn’t asked until after he has helped them and “it was calm again”. So often he has told them “You should never be afraid because I am always with you and will be right until the end”. Even when he is about to leave them physically he reiterates the assurance in the promise of the Holy Spirit, his other self “Don’t be troubled, the Father will give you another Protector to be with you for ever”.

Second Sunday before Lent – now is the time for us be preparing. “Where is your faith?”

“How can I strengthen it?” “Lord, I have faith, help me increase it”. If we prayerfully approach the Lord I am sure he will guide and help each of us work out our own programme with these elements of rebuke, renewal, and reassurance at their heart.

Whatever life, or the world around us, or just the Church of England General Synod throws at us in the coming days we shall need a faith adequate to meet it and to overcome it – and that means a Jesus centred faith because whether resting or reacting to the storm he is in the boat with us i.e. Peter’s Boat, the Church.