1 00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:04,440 Speaker 1: And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O, 2 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the 3 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:13,200 Speaker 1: winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 4 00:00:14,520 --> 00:00:20,960 Speaker 1: Matthew six twenty six. Peace be still. In the same 5 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:23,520 Speaker 1: way that Jesus spoke these words over the waves in 6 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:27,280 Speaker 1: the storm, I too speak these words over the storms 7 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:34,159 Speaker 1: in my life. Peace be still. When others come to 8 00:00:34,240 --> 00:00:37,320 Speaker 1: me to bring up the magnitude of the storm I 9 00:00:37,400 --> 00:00:42,960 Speaker 1: may be facing, I will, in all boldness, remind them 10 00:00:43,440 --> 00:00:47,640 Speaker 1: of the magnitude of my God. For there is nothing 11 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:52,040 Speaker 1: that I can't conquer, because Jesus, who lives inside of me, 12 00:00:52,240 --> 00:00:56,120 Speaker 1: has already conquered this world and every trouble in it. 13 00:00:58,040 --> 00:01:01,440 Speaker 1: No matter the demonic attack around me, I will not 14 00:01:01,520 --> 00:01:04,600 Speaker 1: be moved when I am standing face to face with 15 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:10,120 Speaker 1: Satan and his traps. Because of Jesus and his sacrifice, 16 00:01:11,160 --> 00:01:14,640 Speaker 1: I now possess more power than the darkest of enemies. 17 00:01:16,360 --> 00:01:21,280 Speaker 1: Thank you, Jesus, Thank you that I am set free, 18 00:01:21,319 --> 00:01:24,080 Speaker 1: and that I also have the power to point people 19 00:01:24,120 --> 00:01:31,280 Speaker 1: to you and your absolute freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen, 20 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:36,440 Speaker 1: stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever 21 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:40,560 Speaker 1: told from pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible. 22 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:45,600 Speaker 2: Hi, I'm back to Tony Evans, your host for Heroes 23 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:49,160 Speaker 2: in the Bible Jesus. If you've been enjoying the series, 24 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:51,960 Speaker 2: please write a review and let me know how this 25 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:55,960 Speaker 2: podcast has impacted your life. Welcome to the greatest story 26 00:01:56,000 --> 00:01:58,360 Speaker 2: ever told. It is a tale of a shepherd's heart 27 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:00,960 Speaker 2: for his sheep, a father's life for his children, and 28 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:04,360 Speaker 2: a hero's triumph over death and darkness. This is a 29 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:07,240 Speaker 2: story that continues to shape and mold the world around us, 30 00:02:07,360 --> 00:02:10,560 Speaker 2: bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts 31 00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:13,560 Speaker 2: of you and me. This episode is a declaration of 32 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:16,359 Speaker 2: strength to anyone who finds themselves trapped in a storm. 33 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:20,639 Speaker 2: Storms take many forms in our lives. Sometimes they're outer storms, 34 00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:24,520 Speaker 2: where circumstances blow against us like wind against the ship. 35 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:27,400 Speaker 2: Other times there are inner storms, where the sea of 36 00:02:27,440 --> 00:02:30,679 Speaker 2: our emotions rage and seek to pull us into the abyss. 37 00:02:31,320 --> 00:02:34,079 Speaker 2: This episode is meant to encourage us that Jesus has 38 00:02:34,160 --> 00:02:37,400 Speaker 2: power over all the storms in our lives. He cares 39 00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:40,000 Speaker 2: deeply about you, and his word is able to quell 40 00:02:40,040 --> 00:02:42,400 Speaker 2: the waves that beat against the vessel of your soul. 41 00:02:42,680 --> 00:02:46,200 Speaker 2: If you find yourself trapped in a wind and treading water. Today. 42 00:02:46,919 --> 00:02:49,560 Speaker 2: I pray this episode will be an encouragement to you, 43 00:02:49,639 --> 00:02:52,920 Speaker 2: as well as a reminder that Jesus holds power over 44 00:02:52,960 --> 00:02:57,280 Speaker 2: your circumstances. This episode will begin, like every other, with 45 00:02:57,360 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 2: a prelude. The people of Israel, a trap between oppression 46 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:04,840 Speaker 2: and destruction, with seemingly no escape. Where will they turn 47 00:03:04,960 --> 00:03:08,200 Speaker 2: when all seemed lost? Who will save them from certain death? 48 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:10,840 Speaker 2: We will see that the same God who parted the 49 00:03:10,919 --> 00:03:14,320 Speaker 2: seas also calms the storms, and the same God who 50 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:17,880 Speaker 2: calms the storms also wants to give you peace. Allow 51 00:03:17,919 --> 00:03:20,680 Speaker 2: this episode to speak to your heart. Think about your 52 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:24,040 Speaker 2: own storms and ask a simple question, do I believe 53 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:27,680 Speaker 2: God cares about me enough to bring me peace? Join 54 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:30,440 Speaker 2: me after the episode as we unpack some themes and 55 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:34,400 Speaker 2: key moments. Here is episode nine, the storm within. 56 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:45,240 Speaker 3: Prelude to chapter nine? Did you send us out here 57 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:47,520 Speaker 3: just so we could be slaughtered? 58 00:03:48,160 --> 00:03:49,320 Speaker 4: Don't you even care? 59 00:03:49,880 --> 00:03:54,200 Speaker 3: The Hebrew shouted, you have doomed us? Moses, the people 60 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 3: of God were standing between a vast and raging sea 61 00:03:57,880 --> 00:04:02,200 Speaker 3: and the entirety of Pharaoh's army. Moses turned back to 62 00:04:02,240 --> 00:04:05,280 Speaker 3: see thousands of chariots positioned at the top of a 63 00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:09,040 Speaker 3: hill leading down to the sea. Pillars of smoke from 64 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:13,440 Speaker 3: the Lord consumed them, delaying them for a moment before 65 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:18,240 Speaker 3: they made their attack. Moses was panicking. He had led 66 00:04:18,279 --> 00:04:21,920 Speaker 3: these people out on the command of God. Yet here 67 00:04:21,960 --> 00:04:26,520 Speaker 3: they were standing between death by sea or death by sword. 68 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:30,440 Speaker 3: The wind howled on the coast, and the war cries 69 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:34,359 Speaker 3: of Pharaoh's hoarde was deafening. Didn't we tell you just 70 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:38,600 Speaker 3: to leave us as slaves in Egypt? The people shouted, 71 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:44,159 Speaker 3: Their words of doubt cut deep. Moses was accountable for 72 00:04:44,240 --> 00:04:47,719 Speaker 3: their lives. Have I led them to their death? Moses 73 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:50,680 Speaker 3: thought to himself, Have I been wrong this whole time? 74 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:56,279 Speaker 3: He closed his eyes, ready to curl into himself and die. 75 00:04:56,920 --> 00:05:00,520 Speaker 3: He looked at the raging sea. There was no way passing. 76 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:04,480 Speaker 3: Then he looked up at the chariots, consumed with smoke. 77 00:05:05,400 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 3: There was no way of fighting them. Moses looked at 78 00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:15,000 Speaker 3: the people, and they were terrified. Women held their children close, 79 00:05:15,440 --> 00:05:19,159 Speaker 3: and men trembled where they stood. Before Moses was the 80 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:23,279 Speaker 3: chosen leader of Israel, he was a shepherd. For the 81 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:28,200 Speaker 3: first time he saw them as frightened sheep. Moses clinched 82 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:31,520 Speaker 3: his fist around his staff. He climbed up to a 83 00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 3: tall rock beside the sea and held his staff high 84 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 3: in the air. Do not fear, Moses shouted. His voice 85 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:44,960 Speaker 3: was trembling but loud. He could feel courage bubbling up 86 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:49,800 Speaker 3: from within. It was a fire in his bones. The 87 00:05:49,839 --> 00:05:53,720 Speaker 3: words burst from him like a dam breaking Stand. 88 00:05:53,440 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 5: Firm, children of Israel, look and see the salvation of 89 00:05:58,839 --> 00:05:59,479 Speaker 5: your God. 90 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:03,640 Speaker 3: The wind picked up as Moses was speaking. A mighty 91 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:08,080 Speaker 3: tempest began to rumble in the clouds. Thunder burst from 92 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 3: the heavens like war drums. Moses looked back to see 93 00:06:12,040 --> 00:06:16,440 Speaker 3: the wall of smoke dissipate the armies. If Pharaoh began 94 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,960 Speaker 3: their descent, they were hell bent on slaughtering the men 95 00:06:20,160 --> 00:06:24,039 Speaker 3: and capturing the women. The people began to scream, but 96 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:27,840 Speaker 3: Moses pointed back at the chariots and yelled, I. 97 00:06:27,839 --> 00:06:31,080 Speaker 5: Want you to look at them. See their chariots of 98 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:34,960 Speaker 5: gold and their spears of bronze. Look upon the faces 99 00:06:34,960 --> 00:06:39,400 Speaker 5: of your oppressors. Remember their whips against your back. Remember 100 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:42,640 Speaker 5: how you cried out to God for help and he answered, 101 00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:46,440 Speaker 5: Get a good look. For the Egyptians, whom you see 102 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:50,839 Speaker 5: to day, you will never see again. The Lord will 103 00:06:50,880 --> 00:06:55,160 Speaker 5: fight for you. The Lord is your hero and your deliverer. 104 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:59,960 Speaker 5: Do not fear them, fear the one who will end them. 105 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:03,200 Speaker 3: Moses jumped off the rock and ran through the crowd 106 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:08,120 Speaker 3: to the shore. The people were silent. Moses closed his 107 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:12,040 Speaker 3: eyes and heard the voice of God rumble in his heart. 108 00:07:12,920 --> 00:07:16,040 Speaker 3: It was like a lion ready to feast. 109 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:21,520 Speaker 6: I will get glory over Pharaoh. God said, stretch out 110 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:27,240 Speaker 6: your hand, Moses, stretch out your hand and behold. 111 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:32,040 Speaker 3: Moses opened his eyes and looked out at the vast seas. 112 00:07:32,920 --> 00:07:36,560 Speaker 3: The wind was fierce. Moses lifted up his staff with 113 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:39,960 Speaker 3: both hands high in the air. The wind blew in 114 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:44,080 Speaker 3: from the east, and the waters were divided before them. 115 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:48,040 Speaker 3: The people stood behind Moses, gasping at the wonders of 116 00:07:48,120 --> 00:07:52,800 Speaker 3: God displayed over nature. The waters were like pillars on 117 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:57,400 Speaker 3: the right and left. The freed slaves of Egypt walked 118 00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:03,440 Speaker 3: through the sea unharmed. Moses kept his arms raised, beholding 119 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:08,040 Speaker 3: the glory of God. He was truly the creator of 120 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:12,000 Speaker 3: the universe. The wind and the waves bent to his will. 121 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:16,040 Speaker 3: They obeyed his voice. Even the seas knew he was 122 00:08:16,120 --> 00:08:20,240 Speaker 3: the Lord. As the seas danced in place and the 123 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:24,120 Speaker 3: winds howled. The Egyptian army was closing the gap. The 124 00:08:24,160 --> 00:08:28,480 Speaker 3: oppressors were closing in on them, seeking to take their lives. 125 00:08:29,360 --> 00:08:32,800 Speaker 3: When every last man, woman and child was safe on 126 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 3: the other side, the waters fell on the army of chariots. 127 00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:41,280 Speaker 3: All were consumed, and the oppressors drowned in the bottom 128 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:45,560 Speaker 3: of the sea. Israel saw the great power that the 129 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:49,439 Speaker 3: Lord used against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord, 130 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:57,600 Speaker 3: and they believed in the Lord as their salvation. Chapter nine. 131 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:05,000 Speaker 3: The storm within. Jesus regarded the crowd. There were thousands 132 00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:08,000 Speaker 3: of them gathered by the shore of the Sea of Galilee. 133 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:12,360 Speaker 3: The heavy breeze whistled in from the vast waters as 134 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:16,640 Speaker 3: Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. By this point 135 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:20,600 Speaker 3: Jesus had taught many things. People had traveled near and 136 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:25,440 Speaker 3: far to hear him speak. However, Jesus understood the state 137 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:30,200 Speaker 3: of every heart. Some would receive his words and others 138 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:34,960 Speaker 3: would reject them. Looking to the crowd, Jesus began to 139 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:36,200 Speaker 3: speak in parables. 140 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:39,040 Speaker 7: The sowar went out to plant seeds in his field. 141 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:42,320 Speaker 7: He rose early in the morning, eager for the crop 142 00:09:42,720 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 7: awaiting him. As he spread the seed. Some fell along 143 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:49,200 Speaker 7: the road beside the fields. The birds came and ate 144 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:53,360 Speaker 7: the seed up. Some seed fell upon hard and rocky ground. 145 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:56,160 Speaker 7: There was no soil to nurture the seeds, so he 146 00:09:56,280 --> 00:10:00,200 Speaker 7: immediately it sprung up, But then it rotted since they 147 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:04,120 Speaker 7: had no depth. Other seeds fell by the thorns, where 148 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:07,600 Speaker 7: the weeds grew, and the weeds choked the life out 149 00:10:07,640 --> 00:10:08,240 Speaker 7: of the grain. 150 00:10:09,160 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 3: Jesus smiled and held up his finger. 151 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 7: Yet there was some seed who fell by the good soil. 152 00:10:15,559 --> 00:10:19,600 Speaker 7: It was rich and fertile, and perfect for growth. The 153 00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 7: seed that fell by the soil produced thirty sixty and 154 00:10:23,920 --> 00:10:25,720 Speaker 7: a hundredfol. 155 00:10:25,640 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 3: Jesus scanned the faces of the people standing on the shore. 156 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:33,319 Speaker 3: He knew exactly where the seeds were falling. The clowns 157 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:35,959 Speaker 3: were beginning to darken, and the sun was hidden by 158 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 3: the storm brewing in the horizon. The crowds were beginning 159 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:43,200 Speaker 3: to depart their homes. Those that lived on the coast 160 00:10:43,640 --> 00:10:46,960 Speaker 3: understood the matter at hand. The storm such as this 161 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:50,480 Speaker 3: had the potential to rip the boat to shreds. Master, 162 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:54,600 Speaker 3: we should leave for tonight, Andrew said, A storm like 163 00:10:54,640 --> 00:10:59,199 Speaker 3: this will not be kind to us. The other disciples nodded. Simon, 164 00:10:59,360 --> 00:11:03,240 Speaker 3: James and were fishermen and understood the volatile nature of 165 00:11:03,280 --> 00:11:07,600 Speaker 3: the sea. They respected the sea and feared its power. 166 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:12,520 Speaker 3: Jesus looked at the horizon. About five miles out was 167 00:11:12,559 --> 00:11:16,600 Speaker 3: the other side of the sea. The disciples watched Jesus's 168 00:11:16,720 --> 00:11:20,319 Speaker 3: gaze closely. They could tell he was up to something. 169 00:11:21,280 --> 00:11:24,520 Speaker 3: Jesus smirked at his disciples and hopped into the boat. 170 00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:28,240 Speaker 8: Come now, let us go to the other side. 171 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:32,160 Speaker 3: He said. The disciples stuttered and looked out on the horizon. 172 00:11:33,520 --> 00:11:37,120 Speaker 3: They obviously did not see what Jesus saw. They saw 173 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:40,360 Speaker 3: the gentle waves beginning to churn up into violent waves, 174 00:11:40,679 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 3: and the gentle breeze was beginning to pick up speed. Nevertheless, 175 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:48,600 Speaker 3: they did as they were told and boarded Simon's fishing boat. 176 00:11:49,960 --> 00:11:53,840 Speaker 3: Andrew hoisted the sails as Simon manned the rudder. James 177 00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:57,240 Speaker 3: and John set the course and lifted the anchor. They 178 00:11:57,240 --> 00:12:00,360 Speaker 3: were professionals and sailed the boat like a musician and 179 00:12:00,440 --> 00:12:03,880 Speaker 3: playing his lyre. For the first mile, the wind was 180 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,400 Speaker 3: blowing in the right direction for them to stay on course. 181 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:09,840 Speaker 3: The boat rocked up and down to the volatile waves, 182 00:12:10,120 --> 00:12:12,560 Speaker 3: and the rest of the disciples held under the sides 183 00:12:12,559 --> 00:12:16,480 Speaker 3: of the ship. John looked out at the horizon. On 184 00:12:16,520 --> 00:12:19,520 Speaker 3: the other side of the sea were jagged mountain ranges. 185 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:24,480 Speaker 3: They were dark and foreboding. There had been rumors of 186 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:27,840 Speaker 3: a man that lived in the caves there. They said 187 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:30,560 Speaker 3: he had the strength of a thousand men, and he 188 00:12:30,640 --> 00:12:34,080 Speaker 3: was able to break chains with his bare hands. The 189 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:38,760 Speaker 3: very thought sent shivers down John's spine. The sun had 190 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:42,760 Speaker 3: set and Jesus's eyes were heavy. He had spent much 191 00:12:42,800 --> 00:12:47,400 Speaker 3: of the day teaching, healing, and ministering to people, even 192 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:50,760 Speaker 3: with the glaring storm ahead. Jesus moved to the stern 193 00:12:50,800 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 3: of the ship, where there was an underhang to sleep. 194 00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:57,800 Speaker 3: He laid his head on the cushion and fell fast asleep. 195 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:02,400 Speaker 3: Simon looked at Jesus and then looked up at the clouds. 196 00:13:03,040 --> 00:13:07,199 Speaker 3: They were turning as dark as coal. He looked at Andrew, 197 00:13:07,559 --> 00:13:11,720 Speaker 3: concerned about their chances of making it to the other side. Then, 198 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:16,280 Speaker 3: with almost no notice, the winds shifted. The boom of 199 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:19,640 Speaker 3: the ship swung violently as the winds changed course, and 200 00:13:19,760 --> 00:13:23,719 Speaker 3: all the disciples ran for cover. Andrew leaped towards the 201 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:27,040 Speaker 3: rope and kept the boom from swinging, Simon could feel 202 00:13:27,040 --> 00:13:29,880 Speaker 3: the rudder pulling to the left on its own. This 203 00:13:30,120 --> 00:13:33,760 Speaker 3: is it, Peter thought, this is the end. Two winds 204 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:36,560 Speaker 3: blew in from the east and the west, colliding like 205 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:40,600 Speaker 3: two titans at war. Simon yelled at Andrew to lift 206 00:13:40,640 --> 00:13:43,520 Speaker 3: the jibs so he could steer properly, but the winds 207 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:47,439 Speaker 3: were flying in too many directions. The Disciples did their 208 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 3: best to sail in front of the storm, but its 209 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:54,520 Speaker 3: reach was wide and violent. The rain began to beat 210 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:58,559 Speaker 3: down like arrows under the side of the boat. Andrew 211 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:01,719 Speaker 3: looked up at the sails. The wind was tearing them 212 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:05,960 Speaker 3: to shreds. As he looked up, a wave crashed against 213 00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:10,880 Speaker 3: the silent person. Andrew went tumbling overboard. James launched himself 214 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:13,680 Speaker 3: towards Andrew and grabbed his hand. The sea was like 215 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:17,480 Speaker 3: a beast, seeking to devour it to pray. Simon's hands 216 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:20,160 Speaker 3: were bleeding from gripping the rudder. He could not hold 217 00:14:20,160 --> 00:14:23,000 Speaker 3: on for much longer. Get the water out of the boat, 218 00:14:23,520 --> 00:14:27,080 Speaker 3: Simon screamed, clamping the rudder between his arms and chest 219 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:30,359 Speaker 3: to keep it in place. The rest of the disciples 220 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:32,880 Speaker 3: used pails to scoop the water out of the boat, 221 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:37,000 Speaker 3: all the while Jesus was sleeping underneath the safety of 222 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:41,560 Speaker 3: the stern. Simon clenched his eyes to his musing crop. 223 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:44,720 Speaker 3: He was a man of the sea, but he could 224 00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:47,880 Speaker 3: not see a way out of this. He looked at Jesus, 225 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:52,000 Speaker 3: and he was angry, angry that they could be perishing, 226 00:14:52,040 --> 00:14:55,040 Speaker 3: and he could be fast asleep. If he let go 227 00:14:55,160 --> 00:14:57,760 Speaker 3: of the rudder, the entire boat would spiral out of 228 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:02,560 Speaker 3: control into the sea. He helll tightly, blood dripping down 229 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:06,360 Speaker 3: into the pool of water beneath his feet. Faster, he 230 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:11,720 Speaker 3: whispered to himself, Master, he said, louder. Jesus did not answer. 231 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 5: Master. 232 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:16,560 Speaker 3: Simon yelled, did you send us out here just so 233 00:15:16,680 --> 00:15:17,480 Speaker 3: we could drown? 234 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:19,560 Speaker 4: Don't you even care? 235 00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:24,680 Speaker 3: Simon yelled with a broken and frightened voice. Jesus arose 236 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:28,280 Speaker 3: from his sleep and looked at Simon. The wind was 237 00:15:28,320 --> 00:15:32,600 Speaker 3: piercing and ripped against Jesus's body, yet he stood to 238 00:15:32,640 --> 00:15:38,000 Speaker 3: his feet with complete composure. Simon watched as Jesus marched 239 00:15:38,080 --> 00:15:41,560 Speaker 3: up to the front of the vessel. The wind roared 240 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,080 Speaker 3: like a challenger to Jesus. The wind whipped at his back, 241 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:49,040 Speaker 3: and the rain fell down like gravel. Jesus looked at 242 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:53,280 Speaker 3: the storm like an adversary. The waves were merciless and 243 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:57,880 Speaker 3: smashed against the boat to rop Jesus overboard. Yet in 244 00:15:57,920 --> 00:16:02,120 Speaker 3: the midst of an unrelenting force, God's hero stood firm. 245 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:08,240 Speaker 3: He stretched out his hand and said, be still. Jesus's 246 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:11,880 Speaker 3: voice rumbled like a lion's, and the waves were pushed 247 00:16:11,920 --> 00:16:15,400 Speaker 3: back by the power of his word. The clouds fled 248 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 3: like frightened animals. In an instant, the wind and waves 249 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 3: ceased their onslaught. As the clouds cleared, the stars manifested themselves. 250 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:31,680 Speaker 3: Their twinkling lights danced in the reflection of the glassy 251 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:36,480 Speaker 3: sea below. The light from the stars bounced in thousands 252 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:42,440 Speaker 3: of directions. All was quiet, and Jesus's face was revealed 253 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:46,960 Speaker 3: in the dimly lit night. He closed his eyes and 254 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:52,640 Speaker 3: breathed in deeply. Jesus turned back to his disciples and said, 255 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:56,080 Speaker 3: where is your faith? Simon loosened his grip on the 256 00:16:56,160 --> 00:17:00,400 Speaker 3: rudder and fell to his knees. The disciples looked at 257 00:17:00,480 --> 00:17:04,240 Speaker 3: Jesus standing at the front of the boat. They bowed 258 00:17:04,440 --> 00:17:08,960 Speaker 3: in awe. It was as if nature itself had bowed 259 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:12,800 Speaker 3: to him. He was truly the creator of the universe. 260 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:16,760 Speaker 3: The wind and the waves bent to his will. They 261 00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:21,480 Speaker 3: obeyed his voice. Even the seas knew he was the Lord. 262 00:17:23,800 --> 00:17:26,560 Speaker 3: The night was almost over and the sun was rising 263 00:17:26,600 --> 00:17:30,240 Speaker 3: over the glassy sea. The other side was within view. 264 00:17:31,520 --> 00:17:34,440 Speaker 3: Like a mother placing her child down in its bed, 265 00:17:35,040 --> 00:17:38,760 Speaker 3: the vessel was placed carefully on to shore by the sea. 266 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:42,679 Speaker 3: The disciples stumbled out of the boat, praising God they 267 00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:46,240 Speaker 3: were alive. Matthew leapt out of the boat and puked. 268 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:50,520 Speaker 3: All this was far more excitement than counting coins in 269 00:17:50,600 --> 00:17:54,720 Speaker 3: the safety of his booth. The disciples embraced each other 270 00:17:54,800 --> 00:18:01,119 Speaker 3: with exhausted laughter. Jesus and Simon exchanged glances. Simon felt 271 00:18:01,320 --> 00:18:05,800 Speaker 3: comforted by his presence. Jesus had told them they would 272 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:09,000 Speaker 3: make it to the other side. They should have never doubted. 273 00:18:10,119 --> 00:18:13,720 Speaker 3: Jesus laughed with his disciples and helped Matthew to his feet. 274 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:17,400 Speaker 3: As the rest of the men made it off the boat, 275 00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:20,879 Speaker 3: a deep and painful cry could be heard from the canyons. 276 00:18:21,960 --> 00:18:27,879 Speaker 3: The screams pierced through the mountains. John's eyes widened. The 277 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:32,199 Speaker 3: sound was bone chilling. James turned his head as the 278 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:35,960 Speaker 3: sound of screams and broken chains grew louder and louder. 279 00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:39,199 Speaker 3: The men looked to their right to see a beast 280 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:42,480 Speaker 3: of a man running towards them at full force. The 281 00:18:42,520 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 3: man was naked and blood dripped from his torn apart chest. 282 00:18:46,720 --> 00:18:49,840 Speaker 3: His eyes were filled with blood thirst, and his speed 283 00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:52,879 Speaker 3: was unnatural, even with the heavy chains dangling from his 284 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:57,640 Speaker 3: wrists and ankles. He huffed as he sprinted towards Jesus. 285 00:18:58,840 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 3: John was the first a boat back to the boat, 286 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:03,119 Speaker 3: and the rest of the disciples began to make a 287 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:08,920 Speaker 3: run for it. However, Jesus stepped forward. The man continued 288 00:19:08,920 --> 00:19:12,600 Speaker 3: his pursuit like a predator, picking up speed with every step. 289 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:18,080 Speaker 3: Jesus marched forward. The disciples had just watched him tame 290 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:21,200 Speaker 3: the seas, yet this man seemed to be more dangerous 291 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:24,639 Speaker 3: than the tempest. The man was closing the gap, and 292 00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:29,480 Speaker 3: Jesus continued as steadily march towards him. As he got close, 293 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:32,639 Speaker 3: the man leapt into the air to pounce on Jesus, 294 00:19:33,359 --> 00:19:36,640 Speaker 3: but he did not get the chance. Jesus held out 295 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:39,359 Speaker 3: his hand, causing the man to jot back to the ground. 296 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:43,560 Speaker 3: He writhed on the floor, the blood on his chest 297 00:19:43,840 --> 00:19:48,080 Speaker 3: dripped down his entire body. Tears of pain and agony 298 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:52,720 Speaker 3: streamed down his face. He roared like a wounded animal. 299 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:57,680 Speaker 3: Jesus knew what was plaguing this man. A demon had 300 00:19:57,680 --> 00:20:01,399 Speaker 3: oppressed him. Jesus spent dow to touch the man with 301 00:20:01,560 --> 00:20:05,040 Speaker 3: The demon leaped back on to his feet. He circled Jesus, 302 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:08,960 Speaker 3: cocking his head back and forward as he spoke, Why 303 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,960 Speaker 3: have you come to me, Jesus, Son of the Most High? 304 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:16,440 Speaker 3: The demon spoke, but Jesus could hear the man behind 305 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:20,879 Speaker 3: the voice. He was in pain and needed to be liberated. 306 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:25,480 Speaker 3: The man, much like the Disciples moments earlier, was caught 307 00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:29,399 Speaker 3: in an intense storm. You have come to torment me, 308 00:20:30,119 --> 00:20:34,200 Speaker 3: he screamed. He leaped forward again for another attack, but 309 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:37,679 Speaker 3: was quickly thwarted. He was not able to lay a 310 00:20:37,760 --> 00:20:41,920 Speaker 3: hand on Jesus. Jesus tracked the demon as he circled 311 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:46,399 Speaker 3: around him. An ancient evil emanated from the demon and 312 00:20:46,560 --> 00:20:48,439 Speaker 3: evil Jesus was familiar with. 313 00:20:49,080 --> 00:20:50,200 Speaker 1: What is your name? 314 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:56,119 Speaker 3: Jesus asked. The Disciples were watching from afar. The demon 315 00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:59,560 Speaker 3: looked ready to attack at any moment, Yet Jesus was 316 00:20:59,640 --> 00:21:03,919 Speaker 3: in no danger. Even the demons knew who their creator was, 317 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:10,359 Speaker 3: they dared not touch him. Our name is Legion, the 318 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:15,000 Speaker 3: demon replied. His voice was jagged, like the grinding of 319 00:21:15,040 --> 00:21:19,720 Speaker 3: two stones. We are really, he said, with a laugh, 320 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:23,840 Speaker 3: a coarse smile curved on the sides of his mouth. 321 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:30,359 Speaker 3: He evoked numbers to intimidate Jesus. However, it would not work. 322 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:34,400 Speaker 3: Jesus took a few steps forward, and the demon tripped 323 00:21:34,520 --> 00:21:38,000 Speaker 3: and fell on his back. He was afraid of Jesus, 324 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:41,919 Speaker 3: and rightfully so. He stood in the presence of the 325 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:45,520 Speaker 3: Lion of Judah, the one who was prophesied to crush 326 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:50,399 Speaker 3: the serpent's head. The demon cowered in fear and fell 327 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:53,800 Speaker 3: to its knees. Do not kill us, the demon said, 328 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:58,719 Speaker 3: Do not cast us into the dark oblivion. The demon 329 00:21:58,800 --> 00:22:02,600 Speaker 3: gestured toward a herd of pigs grazing on bluffs overlooking 330 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,520 Speaker 3: the sea. Send us into the pigs, jest, Do not 331 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:13,240 Speaker 3: cast us out completely. The demons asked for mercy from Jesus. 332 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:17,440 Speaker 3: It was in odd exchange, and the disciples watched in awe. 333 00:22:18,400 --> 00:22:22,679 Speaker 3: Jesus nodded, be out of this man, Away with you, 334 00:22:23,320 --> 00:22:28,240 Speaker 3: he commanded. The man's body jolted backwards. He groaned and 335 00:22:28,280 --> 00:22:31,439 Speaker 3: screamed for a moment. Then there was silence as the 336 00:22:31,480 --> 00:22:35,159 Speaker 3: man lay face down in the sand. Jesus looked up 337 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:38,920 Speaker 3: to the bluffs overlooking the sea. The herd of swine 338 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:43,639 Speaker 3: began to circle in confusion. Squealing, they writhed and whipped 339 00:22:43,640 --> 00:22:47,800 Speaker 3: their bodies in every direction. Eventually they all ran off 340 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:51,760 Speaker 3: the cliffs into the sea. All the demons were consumed, 341 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:56,440 Speaker 3: and the oppressors drowned in the bottom of the sea. 342 00:22:56,840 --> 00:22:59,720 Speaker 3: The pig herders ran after the falling pigs and watched 343 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:03,240 Speaker 3: them in the bottom of the sea. They looked down 344 00:23:03,280 --> 00:23:07,400 Speaker 3: to see Jesus kneeling over the man. Legion had become 345 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:11,000 Speaker 3: a menace to the nearby community, so the herders ran 346 00:23:11,119 --> 00:23:14,320 Speaker 3: back into town right away to tell people what had happened. 347 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 3: Jesus looked over the man's mangled body. He was unconscious, 348 00:23:19,960 --> 00:23:24,359 Speaker 3: but alive and free from his oppressor. Jesus gestured for 349 00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:28,480 Speaker 3: the disciples to come and bring water in clothing. They 350 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:31,159 Speaker 3: looked at one another, nudging each one to go first. 351 00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:36,000 Speaker 3: Thaddeus came forward with some water, and James followed with 352 00:23:36,040 --> 00:23:41,800 Speaker 3: a tunic. John trailed timidly behind. Jesus gave him water, 353 00:23:42,240 --> 00:23:47,119 Speaker 3: bread and clothed him, Andrew sewed up his scars best 354 00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:52,040 Speaker 3: he could, he only had experience with fishing nets. After 355 00:23:52,119 --> 00:23:55,240 Speaker 3: having food and water, the man began to think clearly. 356 00:23:56,440 --> 00:23:59,679 Speaker 3: He stayed close to Jesus, clinging to him like a 357 00:23:59,720 --> 00:24:04,200 Speaker 3: fright and child. Eventually, the pig herd Is returned with 358 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:07,720 Speaker 3: the mob of villagers. They were expecting to drive out 359 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:11,200 Speaker 3: the man once again and show him back into the mountains. 360 00:24:11,840 --> 00:24:15,439 Speaker 3: For years they had shunned him, even resorting to chaining 361 00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:18,520 Speaker 3: him to the cave walls. Yet he had broken his 362 00:24:18,640 --> 00:24:24,040 Speaker 3: chains every time and terrorized the village below. They found 363 00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:26,919 Speaker 3: the man sitting with the disciples in his right mind. 364 00:24:27,680 --> 00:24:31,840 Speaker 3: They approached with pitchforks and daggers in their hands. The 365 00:24:31,960 --> 00:24:34,800 Speaker 3: village leader approached the group with his sword in hand. 366 00:24:35,440 --> 00:24:39,879 Speaker 3: You must leave, please, the man begged. His knees were 367 00:24:39,920 --> 00:24:42,639 Speaker 3: trembling and his sword was shaking in his hand. Do 368 00:24:42,760 --> 00:24:45,760 Speaker 3: not worry, friend, John replied with a grin Jesus has 369 00:24:45,800 --> 00:24:49,119 Speaker 3: healed him. Look, this man is no longer possessed by 370 00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:51,600 Speaker 3: that unclean spirit. He is in his right mind, and 371 00:24:51,600 --> 00:24:54,880 Speaker 3: there is nothing to fear. The people stirred as John 372 00:24:54,960 --> 00:24:58,000 Speaker 3: said these things. The leader nodded his head. 373 00:24:58,359 --> 00:25:00,919 Speaker 4: Yes, we can see that the man is clear. However, 374 00:25:01,240 --> 00:25:03,359 Speaker 4: it is not him we are afraid of. 375 00:25:03,720 --> 00:25:07,840 Speaker 3: The man gestured towards Jesus. The disciples tilted their heads 376 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:13,000 Speaker 3: in confusion. Jesus understood their fear. They were more afraid 377 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:17,080 Speaker 3: of the power Jesus had than the danger the demon posed. Please, 378 00:25:17,560 --> 00:25:18,520 Speaker 3: he said politely. 379 00:25:18,840 --> 00:25:21,480 Speaker 4: What you have done is miraculous. But do not come 380 00:25:21,520 --> 00:25:24,240 Speaker 4: back here. We want no more dealings with demons. 381 00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:27,879 Speaker 3: So Jesus waved for his disciples to follow him, and 382 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:31,760 Speaker 3: they departed back to their boat. The men boarded the 383 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:34,159 Speaker 3: boat and James and John were began to push the 384 00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:39,119 Speaker 3: boat out to sea. Wait, take me with you, the 385 00:25:39,200 --> 00:25:43,040 Speaker 3: healed man yelled as he came towards the boat. Don't 386 00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:46,080 Speaker 3: leave me here with them. The man came to the 387 00:25:46,080 --> 00:25:50,560 Speaker 3: boat and Jesus jumped off and embraced him. He enveloped 388 00:25:50,640 --> 00:25:53,639 Speaker 3: him with fatherly love, and the man began to weep. 389 00:25:54,320 --> 00:25:59,400 Speaker 3: They changed me to the cave. He whispered into Jesus's shoulder. 390 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:05,280 Speaker 3: Tears streamed down his cheeks. The disciples hearts broke as 391 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:09,080 Speaker 3: they watched. Jesus held his shoulders and looked him in 392 00:26:09,119 --> 00:26:09,640 Speaker 3: the eye. 393 00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:14,320 Speaker 8: No, my child, he said, something grand has happened to you. 394 00:26:15,040 --> 00:26:18,359 Speaker 8: Tell people the story, Tell them how you were lost 395 00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:22,200 Speaker 8: and now you are found, and tell them of the 396 00:26:22,240 --> 00:26:25,480 Speaker 8: great things that you witness. Tell them how much the 397 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:27,480 Speaker 8: Lord has done for you. 398 00:26:28,960 --> 00:26:32,840 Speaker 3: The man wiped his nose and nodded. Jesus smiled and 399 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:37,639 Speaker 3: gave him one final embrace. He boarded the boat. James 400 00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:40,640 Speaker 3: and John launched the boat into the sea, and Simon 401 00:26:40,680 --> 00:26:44,680 Speaker 3: held the rudder once again. Andrew let the sails down, 402 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:48,600 Speaker 3: and the Disciples departed. The man stood at the shore line, 403 00:26:48,800 --> 00:26:53,400 Speaker 3: watching as the boat faded into the horizon. For years, 404 00:26:53,760 --> 00:26:57,800 Speaker 3: his body was not his own. He was enslaved. Yet 405 00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:01,520 Speaker 3: God had liberated him and delivered him from his oppressors. 406 00:27:02,440 --> 00:27:06,320 Speaker 3: Legion was consumed and his oppressors drowned in the bottom 407 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:09,800 Speaker 3: of the sea. He saw the great power that the 408 00:27:09,840 --> 00:27:12,960 Speaker 3: Lord used against the demons, so he feared the Lord 409 00:27:13,560 --> 00:27:19,359 Speaker 3: and believed in the Lord as his salvation. The Disciples 410 00:27:19,400 --> 00:27:22,640 Speaker 3: watched as the man shrunk out of view. The light 411 00:27:22,720 --> 00:27:26,679 Speaker 3: wind was gliding over the glassy waters. The sail was 412 00:27:26,720 --> 00:27:31,760 Speaker 3: perfectly taut, propelling the boat forward. They looked at Jesus, 413 00:27:32,320 --> 00:27:37,359 Speaker 3: silent and in awe. Jesus had calmed the seas, and 414 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:41,439 Speaker 3: the wind nature itself bent to his will. Then the 415 00:27:41,520 --> 00:27:45,639 Speaker 3: demons themselves quaked at his name. He was not just 416 00:27:45,760 --> 00:27:48,560 Speaker 3: able to calm the wind in the waves, but also 417 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:53,080 Speaker 3: the storm within Jesus. Philip said, what was the purpose 418 00:27:53,119 --> 00:27:55,960 Speaker 3: of the sower and the seed parable? There was a 419 00:27:56,080 --> 00:28:00,320 Speaker 3: chuckle among the group. They had all been confused, too 420 00:28:00,359 --> 00:28:04,880 Speaker 3: prideful to ask. Jesus smirked and pulled his hair back. 421 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:07,840 Speaker 3: He looked up at them and loved them. 422 00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:10,760 Speaker 7: The sore is the one who preaches the word of. 423 00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:15,240 Speaker 3: God, Jesus replied. The disciples huddled in and rested in 424 00:28:15,280 --> 00:28:18,960 Speaker 3: the boat. They listened to Jesus with eyes half open. 425 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,320 Speaker 3: It had been a long night and a long day. 426 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:26,679 Speaker 3: They were content to be by Jesus's side, listening to 427 00:28:26,760 --> 00:28:31,040 Speaker 3: his wisdom. The sun was setting and the skies were 428 00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:37,640 Speaker 3: splashed with a deep orange. Jesus continued explaining the parable, saying, when. 429 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:41,080 Speaker 7: Some people hear Satan immediately comes and takes away the 430 00:28:41,080 --> 00:28:43,960 Speaker 7: word that was given to them, those are the seeds 431 00:28:43,960 --> 00:28:47,400 Speaker 7: that fall by the road. The rocky ground represents those 432 00:28:47,400 --> 00:28:53,560 Speaker 7: who been hearing the word. They immediately receive it with enthusiasm. However, 433 00:28:53,600 --> 00:28:57,040 Speaker 7: they have no depth, and the root is unable to endure. 434 00:28:57,600 --> 00:29:01,280 Speaker 7: When persecution or trials arise, they now they shrink away. 435 00:29:01,800 --> 00:29:05,520 Speaker 3: Jesus then darted his eyes towards Judas, who was silently 436 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:07,120 Speaker 3: listening in the back of the boat. 437 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:10,360 Speaker 7: Then there are those by the thorn. They hear the word, 438 00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:14,320 Speaker 7: but all the fears, doubts, greed, and anxieties of the 439 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:16,960 Speaker 7: world choke them out, and they bear no fruit. 440 00:29:17,320 --> 00:29:20,400 Speaker 3: The disciples were nodding. They bounced up and down to 441 00:29:20,440 --> 00:29:23,240 Speaker 3: the waves, and the light breeze continued to move the 442 00:29:23,280 --> 00:29:24,080 Speaker 3: vessel forward. 443 00:29:24,360 --> 00:29:28,280 Speaker 7: Then there are some that fell into good soil. They 444 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:32,440 Speaker 7: are the ones who hear, accept and transform. They produce 445 00:29:32,560 --> 00:29:36,920 Speaker 7: fruit for all to enjoy, and God is glorified in them. 446 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:41,480 Speaker 3: Jesus finished explaining, and many of the disciples blissfully fell asleep, 447 00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:46,760 Speaker 3: all but Simon, who was staying the course. When they 448 00:29:46,760 --> 00:29:49,440 Speaker 3: had finally made it to shore, Simon tied up the 449 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:52,280 Speaker 3: boat and walked to the stern where Jesus had slept. 450 00:29:53,240 --> 00:29:56,280 Speaker 3: He crawled under the overhang and fell into a deep sleep. 451 00:29:57,440 --> 00:30:02,000 Speaker 3: Jesus watched the stars replace the setting sound. There was 452 00:30:02,040 --> 00:30:05,280 Speaker 3: still a greater storm to be calmed. There was still 453 00:30:05,320 --> 00:30:08,920 Speaker 3: a greater enemy to be vanquished. When the time came, 454 00:30:09,480 --> 00:30:13,280 Speaker 3: he would be ready. He looked at his disciples and 455 00:30:13,400 --> 00:30:17,440 Speaker 3: rested his head against the mast. He would endure the 456 00:30:17,520 --> 00:30:19,920 Speaker 3: storm so they wouldn't have to. 457 00:30:23,840 --> 00:30:27,160 Speaker 2: Do you even care? This was the question the Hebrews 458 00:30:27,200 --> 00:30:30,560 Speaker 2: shouted at Moses when the Egyptians were pursuing them. This 459 00:30:30,720 --> 00:30:33,520 Speaker 2: was also the question the disciples shouted at Jesus when 460 00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:35,800 Speaker 2: they thought they were going to drown at the bottom 461 00:30:35,840 --> 00:30:39,680 Speaker 2: of the sea. Don't you care? God? Where are you 462 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:43,400 Speaker 2: during this trial? Are you even listening to me? These 463 00:30:43,440 --> 00:30:45,960 Speaker 2: are some of the most common questions we ask God 464 00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:49,600 Speaker 2: when we are scared, tired, and alone. When life sends 465 00:30:49,680 --> 00:30:53,160 Speaker 2: us unexpected storms and our emotions toss us to and fro, 466 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:57,320 Speaker 2: we often wonder if God cares it all. This episode 467 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:01,600 Speaker 2: sought to answer that question with a resounding Yes. God 468 00:31:01,680 --> 00:31:04,880 Speaker 2: cares about you, and he is with you in every circumstance. 469 00:31:05,680 --> 00:31:08,640 Speaker 2: The prelude connected us to a common motif in scripture 470 00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:11,600 Speaker 2: that is revisited in this story, and it is the 471 00:31:11,640 --> 00:31:15,880 Speaker 2: motif of unruly and chaotic waters. To unpact this theme, 472 00:31:16,360 --> 00:31:18,720 Speaker 2: we will need to go to the very beginning in Genesis, 473 00:31:18,760 --> 00:31:21,720 Speaker 2: when God was forming the world from the chaotic void. 474 00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:25,080 Speaker 2: As you know, scripture is rich with imagery and motifs 475 00:31:25,080 --> 00:31:27,760 Speaker 2: to signal to us what God is up to, and 476 00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:30,320 Speaker 2: there is, in my opinion, one image that sits above 477 00:31:30,360 --> 00:31:34,600 Speaker 2: the rest water. You have the same still and quiet waters, 478 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:38,720 Speaker 2: representing the refreshing presence of God's spirit. Then you have 479 00:31:38,800 --> 00:31:42,560 Speaker 2: the raging seas, representing the chaos and unpredictability of the world. 480 00:31:43,240 --> 00:31:45,960 Speaker 2: These chaotic waters were present in the beginning before God 481 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:49,320 Speaker 2: spoke light and life over the void. Genesis one to 482 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:52,880 Speaker 2: the four says the earth was without form and void, 483 00:31:53,080 --> 00:31:55,360 Speaker 2: and darkness was on the face of the deep, and 484 00:31:55,400 --> 00:31:57,640 Speaker 2: the spirit of God was hovering over the face of 485 00:31:57,680 --> 00:32:01,040 Speaker 2: the waters. Then God said, let there be light. And 486 00:32:01,160 --> 00:32:03,920 Speaker 2: there was light. And God saw the light that it 487 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:07,000 Speaker 2: was good. And God divided the light from the darkness 488 00:32:07,640 --> 00:32:11,040 Speaker 2: with a word. Chaos and darkness were tamed. Since the 489 00:32:11,120 --> 00:32:13,840 Speaker 2: very beginning, God has been reminding us that his very 490 00:32:13,880 --> 00:32:17,200 Speaker 2: word can calm the storm and bring light to the darkness. 491 00:32:17,640 --> 00:32:20,960 Speaker 2: Dark and chaotic are the appropriate adjectives for the times 492 00:32:21,040 --> 00:32:24,560 Speaker 2: we find ourselves in, and it was the very literal 493 00:32:24,600 --> 00:32:29,240 Speaker 2: circumstance the Disciples found themselves in during this episode. Rain 494 00:32:29,360 --> 00:32:32,560 Speaker 2: beat down like arrows, and waves crashed against the ship 495 00:32:32,680 --> 00:32:36,719 Speaker 2: like giants. They were trapped in chaos and darkness, just 496 00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:40,600 Speaker 2: like the Israelites were when being pursued by Egypt, and 497 00:32:40,680 --> 00:32:43,760 Speaker 2: the question the disciples had for Jesus was an interesting one, 498 00:32:44,320 --> 00:32:48,000 Speaker 2: one that shakes us to the core. Teacher, do you 499 00:32:48,200 --> 00:32:50,200 Speaker 2: not care that we are perishing? 500 00:32:50,880 --> 00:32:50,960 Speaker 6: You? 501 00:32:51,000 --> 00:32:54,360 Speaker 2: See, they are questions that we may think matter most 502 00:32:54,400 --> 00:32:57,480 Speaker 2: to people when it comes to God, questions that require 503 00:32:57,480 --> 00:33:00,520 Speaker 2: a case on the seven day creation, on toto, logical 504 00:33:00,560 --> 00:33:05,280 Speaker 2: reasoning for the existence of God, or other matters of apologetics. However, 505 00:33:05,680 --> 00:33:08,160 Speaker 2: when people are in the midst of chaos and darkness, 506 00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:13,320 Speaker 2: they are often asking does God care about me? I'm perishing? 507 00:33:13,800 --> 00:33:17,360 Speaker 2: Does Jesus even care? Those are the questions we must 508 00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:21,360 Speaker 2: wrestle with the most. This episode sought to remind the 509 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:25,040 Speaker 2: fearful and wondering heart that Jesus is in control. He 510 00:33:25,120 --> 00:33:28,680 Speaker 2: stepped forward and calmed the raging seas. He spoke saying 511 00:33:28,960 --> 00:33:33,040 Speaker 2: be still, and the storm ceased its rage. Just as 512 00:33:33,080 --> 00:33:35,640 Speaker 2: he spoke peace over the waters in Genesis and part 513 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:38,840 Speaker 2: of the seas in Exodus, Jesus quelled the storm and 514 00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:42,360 Speaker 2: brought peace to chaos for the disciples. Did you notice 515 00:33:42,400 --> 00:33:46,440 Speaker 2: Simon's posture during and after the storm. As the storm raged, 516 00:33:46,800 --> 00:33:50,280 Speaker 2: Simon gripped the rudder till his hands bled. He desperately 517 00:33:50,320 --> 00:33:53,000 Speaker 2: tried to fight against the storm, but felt his strength 518 00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:56,680 Speaker 2: failing him. However, after Jesus stepped up to the bow 519 00:33:56,760 --> 00:34:00,480 Speaker 2: and calmed the storm, Simon's gripped loosened, and he let 520 00:34:00,560 --> 00:34:03,920 Speaker 2: down his God. Is this you today? Are you in 521 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:06,680 Speaker 2: a losing battle with the storms of life? Do you 522 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:11,240 Speaker 2: feel tired, weary and unable to press on? The struggle 523 00:34:11,239 --> 00:34:13,560 Speaker 2: of every believer is to loosen our grip on the 524 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:16,920 Speaker 2: rudder and let Jesus take over. He alone can speak 525 00:34:16,960 --> 00:34:20,640 Speaker 2: peace over the storms that rage around us. Just when 526 00:34:20,680 --> 00:34:23,399 Speaker 2: the Disciples thought they were safe, a demon possessed man 527 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:27,080 Speaker 2: ran toward them from the mountains. These disciples went from 528 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:30,600 Speaker 2: a near death experience to a demoniac chasing them, But 529 00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:33,960 Speaker 2: such is the life of a disciple. The men ran away, 530 00:34:34,239 --> 00:34:37,600 Speaker 2: but Jesus stepped forward. This is a very important theme 531 00:34:37,680 --> 00:34:41,520 Speaker 2: in our series. When others run away, Jesus runs toward 532 00:34:41,560 --> 00:34:46,080 Speaker 2: the fray. While others cower in fear. Jesus courageously faces 533 00:34:46,120 --> 00:34:49,920 Speaker 2: his foe. He steps toward the demon and engages with him. 534 00:34:50,360 --> 00:34:53,120 Speaker 2: It becomes very apparent to us that demons do not 535 00:34:53,200 --> 00:34:56,080 Speaker 2: see Jesus as an equal. They know better than most 536 00:34:56,080 --> 00:34:58,520 Speaker 2: that he is the son of God and vastly more 537 00:34:58,560 --> 00:35:01,920 Speaker 2: powerful than them. Jesus isn't scared of the same things 538 00:35:01,920 --> 00:35:04,560 Speaker 2: we are, nor does he feel overwhelmed by the things 539 00:35:04,560 --> 00:35:07,960 Speaker 2: that overwhelm us. He is steady when we feel unsteady, 540 00:35:08,440 --> 00:35:12,160 Speaker 2: brave when we feel afraid, and able when we are unable. 541 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:16,799 Speaker 2: Whatever we lack, Jesus has in abundance. It is clear 542 00:35:16,880 --> 00:35:20,279 Speaker 2: what this man lacked peace. For years, he was tormented 543 00:35:20,320 --> 00:35:23,080 Speaker 2: by a legion of demons and hid away in the mountains. 544 00:35:23,640 --> 00:35:26,319 Speaker 2: He was a danger to himself and those around him. 545 00:35:26,880 --> 00:35:29,400 Speaker 2: The villagers bound him in chains, and he cut himself 546 00:35:29,440 --> 00:35:32,239 Speaker 2: with stones. He was caught in a storm of his own. 547 00:35:32,600 --> 00:35:36,200 Speaker 2: Only this storm was not around him, but within him. 548 00:35:36,600 --> 00:35:38,960 Speaker 2: This story presents us with the two different types of 549 00:35:39,000 --> 00:35:42,520 Speaker 2: storms we face. Some storms are outside of us, they 550 00:35:42,520 --> 00:35:46,240 Speaker 2: are contextual and rage around us. Example of these storms 551 00:35:46,239 --> 00:35:48,640 Speaker 2: can be a layoff at work, death in the family, 552 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:52,040 Speaker 2: or health crisis. But there are other storms that rage 553 00:35:52,080 --> 00:35:56,000 Speaker 2: within us inner storms. Examples of these can be depression, 554 00:35:56,080 --> 00:36:00,719 Speaker 2: anxiety or addiction. This episode seeks to remind us that 555 00:36:00,880 --> 00:36:04,040 Speaker 2: Jesus is in control over the outer and inner storms. 556 00:36:04,600 --> 00:36:08,200 Speaker 2: He wants to say be still to all that thrashes 557 00:36:08,239 --> 00:36:12,400 Speaker 2: within and without. The episode ends with a grander point. 558 00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:15,919 Speaker 2: There was still a greater storm to be calm. There 559 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:18,840 Speaker 2: was still a greater enemy to be vanquished. When the 560 00:36:18,880 --> 00:36:21,400 Speaker 2: time came, he would be ready. He looked at his 561 00:36:21,440 --> 00:36:25,000 Speaker 2: disciples and rested his head against the mast. He would 562 00:36:25,040 --> 00:36:28,880 Speaker 2: endure the storm so they wouldn't have to. Sin is 563 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:33,360 Speaker 2: the ultimate storm. It swell overwhelms us, and its wind 564 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:37,239 Speaker 2: thrashes us. For those caught in a whirlwind of their 565 00:36:37,239 --> 00:36:40,200 Speaker 2: own sin, I want to remind you that Jesus cares. 566 00:36:40,600 --> 00:36:43,840 Speaker 2: He cares deeply about you, your salvation, and your heart. 567 00:36:44,480 --> 00:36:47,160 Speaker 2: He cares so much, in fact, that he was willing 568 00:36:47,200 --> 00:36:50,000 Speaker 2: to endure the cross. In the same way the voice 569 00:36:50,080 --> 00:36:52,960 Speaker 2: of God spoke life and light into the chaotic void, 570 00:36:53,600 --> 00:36:56,520 Speaker 2: Jesus wants to speak of life and light into your heart. 571 00:36:57,120 --> 00:36:59,560 Speaker 2: In the same way God parted the raging seas or 572 00:36:59,640 --> 00:37:02,880 Speaker 2: Israel could escape their enemies. Jesus wants to make a 573 00:37:02,920 --> 00:37:05,840 Speaker 2: way for you to escape the grips of sin. In 574 00:37:05,880 --> 00:37:08,759 Speaker 2: the same way Jesus calm the storm for the disciples. 575 00:37:09,200 --> 00:37:12,160 Speaker 2: Jesus wants to give you peace in the midst of brokenness. 576 00:37:12,560 --> 00:37:15,719 Speaker 2: In the same way Jesus took control over Legion, he 577 00:37:15,800 --> 00:37:19,160 Speaker 2: wants to take control over your mind and heart. Jesus 578 00:37:19,239 --> 00:37:23,080 Speaker 2: cares deeply. My final prayer in light of this episode 579 00:37:23,080 --> 00:37:26,000 Speaker 2: today is that Jesus would grant you peace in the 580 00:37:26,040 --> 00:37:29,720 Speaker 2: midst of the storm. In our next episode, a beloved 581 00:37:29,840 --> 00:37:32,719 Speaker 2: character will wrestle with his own inner and out of storms. 582 00:37:33,120 --> 00:37:36,200 Speaker 2: Alone in a jail cell, he will ask a similar question, 583 00:37:36,840 --> 00:37:40,319 Speaker 2: does Jesus care? Join us? Next time for episode ten, 584 00:37:40,920 --> 00:37:45,920 Speaker 2: God or Ghost, thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, 585 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:49,400 Speaker 2: daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to 586 00:37:49,440 --> 00:37:52,560 Speaker 2: pray dot com and to expand your heroes in the 587 00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:56,359 Speaker 2: Bible Journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at 588 00:37:56,360 --> 00:38:00,440 Speaker 2: Tonyevans dot org Forward slash Heroes. Please please write a 589 00:38:00,520 --> 00:38:03,520 Speaker 2: review and let me know how Jesus and this podcast 590 00:38:03,760 --> 00:38:05,800 Speaker 2: have impacted your life. God bless