1 00:00:00,560 --> 00:00:04,400 Speaker 1: And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O, 2 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:09,480 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 --> 00:00:20,959 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 00:00:23,560 --> 00:00:27,280 Speaker 1: the storm, I too speak these words over the storms 7 00:00:27,280 --> 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 --> 00:00:52,000 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 --> 00:01:01,360 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 --> 00:01:31,240 Speaker 1: to you and your absolute freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen, 20 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:36,400 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 --> 00:01:45,679 Speaker 2: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in 23 00:01:45,720 --> 00:01:49,600 Speaker 2: the Bible Jesus. If you've been enjoying the series, please 24 00:01:49,640 --> 00:01:52,600 Speaker 2: write a review and let me know how this podcast 25 00:01:52,640 --> 00:01:56,720 Speaker 2: has impacted your life. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. 26 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:59,000 Speaker 2: It is a tale of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, 27 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:02,080 Speaker 2: a father's life for his children, and a hero's triumph 28 00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:05,360 Speaker 2: over death and darkness. This is a story that continues 29 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 2: to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the 30 00:02:07,920 --> 00:02:10,760 Speaker 2: divine heart of God right into the hearts of you 31 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:13,959 Speaker 2: and me. This episode is a declaration of strength to 32 00:02:14,040 --> 00:02:17,639 Speaker 2: anyone who finds themselves trapped in a storm. Storms take 33 00:02:17,680 --> 00:02:20,639 Speaker 2: many forms in our lives. Sometimes they're out of 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 00:02:31,280 --> 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 00:02:37,400 --> 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 --> 00:02:45,440 Speaker 2: If you find yourself trapped in a wind and treading 42 00:02:45,520 --> 00:02:49,200 Speaker 2: water today. I pray this episode will be an encouragement 43 00:02:49,280 --> 00:02:52,000 Speaker 2: to you, as well as a reminder that Jesus holds 44 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:57,040 Speaker 2: power over your circumstances. This episode will begin, like every other, 45 00:02:57,160 --> 00:02:59,919 Speaker 2: with a prelude. The people of Israel are trapped between 46 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:04,399 Speaker 2: oppression and destruction, with seemingly no escape. Where will they 47 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:07,520 Speaker 2: turn when all seemed lost? Who will save them from 48 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:10,320 Speaker 2: certain death? We will see that the same God who 49 00:03:10,440 --> 00:03:13,880 Speaker 2: parted the seas also calms the storms, and the same 50 00:03:13,919 --> 00:03:16,760 Speaker 2: God who calms the storms also wants to give you peace. 51 00:03:17,560 --> 00:03:20,440 Speaker 2: Allow this episode to speak to your heart. Think about 52 00:03:20,480 --> 00:03:23,640 Speaker 2: your own storms and ask a simple question, do I 53 00:03:23,720 --> 00:03:26,720 Speaker 2: believe God cares about me enough to bring me peace? 54 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:30,320 Speaker 2: Join me after the episode as we unpack some themes 55 00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:34,440 Speaker 2: and 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 --> 00:03:47,480 Speaker 3: just so we could be slaughtered? 58 00:03:48,160 --> 00:03:49,280 Speaker 4: Don't you even care? 59 00:03:49,880 --> 00:03:54,160 Speaker 3: The Hebrew shouted, you have doomed us? Moses, the people 60 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 3: of God were standing between a vast and raging sea 61 00:03:57,880 --> 00:04:02,160 Speaker 3: and the entirety of Pharaoh's army. Moses turned back to 62 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:05,280 Speaker 3: see thousands of chariots positioned at the top of a 63 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:09,080 Speaker 3: hill leading down to the sea. Pillars of smoke from 64 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:13,400 Speaker 3: the Lord consumed them, delaying them for a moment before 65 00:04:13,440 --> 00:04:18,240 Speaker 3: they made their attack. Moses was panicking. He had led 66 00:04:18,279 --> 00:04:21,880 Speaker 3: these people out on the command of God, yet here 67 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:26,480 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 horde was deafening. Didn't we tell you just 70 00:04:34,400 --> 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 00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:48,960 Speaker 3: thought to himself, Have. 74 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 4: I been wrong this whole time? 75 00:04:51,480 --> 00:04:55,719 Speaker 3: He closed his eyes, ready to curl into himself and die. 76 00:04:56,920 --> 00:04:59,960 Speaker 3: He looked at the raging sea. There was no way passing. 77 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:04,440 Speaker 3: Then he looked up at the chariots, consumed with smoke. 78 00:05:05,400 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 3: There was no way of fighting them. Moses looked at 79 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:14,960 Speaker 3: the people. They were terrified. Women held their children close, 80 00:05:15,440 --> 00:05:19,120 Speaker 3: and men trembled where they stood. Before Moses was the 81 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:23,279 Speaker 3: chosen leader of Israel, he was a shepherd. For the 82 00:05:23,279 --> 00:05:28,200 Speaker 3: first time he saw them as frightened sheep. Moses clinched 83 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:31,520 Speaker 3: his fist around his staff. He climbed up to a 84 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:34,680 Speaker 3: tall rock beside the sea and held his staff high 85 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 3: in the air. Do not fear, Moses shouted. His voice 86 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:44,920 Speaker 3: was trembling but loud. He could feel courage bubbling up 87 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:49,800 Speaker 3: from within. It was a fire in his bones. The 88 00:05:49,839 --> 00:05:53,760 Speaker 3: words burst from him like a dam breaking Stand. 89 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 5: Firm, children of Israel, look and see the salvation of 90 00:05:58,800 --> 00:05:59,480 Speaker 5: your God. 91 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:03,640 Speaker 3: The wind picked up as Moses was speaking. A mighty 92 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:08,040 Speaker 3: tempest began to rumble in the clouds. Thunder burst from 93 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 3: the heavens like war drums. Moses looked back to see 94 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:16,440 Speaker 3: the wall of smoke dissipate the armies. If Pharaoh began 95 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,920 Speaker 3: their descent, they were hell bent on slaughtering the men 96 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:24,080 Speaker 3: and capturing the women. The people began to scream, but 97 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:27,840 Speaker 3: Moses pointed back at the chariots and yelled, I. 98 00:06:27,839 --> 00:06:31,080 Speaker 5: Want you to look at them. See their chariots of 99 00:06:31,120 --> 00:06:34,920 Speaker 5: gold and their spears of bronze. Look upon the faces 100 00:06:34,960 --> 00:06:39,360 Speaker 5: of your oppressors. Remember their whips against your back. Remember 101 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:42,600 Speaker 5: how you cried out to God for help, and he answered, 102 00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:46,400 Speaker 5: Get a good look. For the Egyptians, whom you see 103 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:50,839 Speaker 5: to day, you will never see again. The Lord will 104 00:06:50,839 --> 00:06:55,160 Speaker 5: fight for you. The Lord is your hero and your deliverer. 105 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:59,960 Speaker 5: Do not fear them, fear the one who will end them. 106 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:03,200 Speaker 3: Moses jumped off the rock and ran through the crowd 107 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:08,120 Speaker 3: to the shore. The people were silent. Moses closed his 108 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 3: eyes and heard the voice of God rumble in his heart. 109 00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:16,040 Speaker 3: It was like a lion ready to feast. 110 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:21,520 Speaker 6: I will get glory over Pharaoh. God said, stretch out 111 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:27,240 Speaker 6: your hand, Moses, stretch out your hand and behold. 112 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:32,040 Speaker 3: Moses opened his eyes and looked out at the vast seas. 113 00:07:32,920 --> 00:07:36,560 Speaker 3: The wind was fierce. Moses lifted up his staff with 114 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 3: both hands high in the air. The wind blew in 115 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:44,040 Speaker 3: from the east, and the waters were divided before them. 116 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:48,000 Speaker 3: The people stood behind Moses, gasping at the wonders of 117 00:07:48,120 --> 00:07:52,760 Speaker 3: God displayed over nature. The waters were like pillars on 118 00:07:52,840 --> 00:07:57,360 Speaker 3: the right and left. The freed slaves of Egypt walked 119 00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:03,440 Speaker 3: through the sea unharmed. Moses kept his arms raised, beholding 120 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:08,040 Speaker 3: the glory of God. He was truly the creator of 121 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:11,960 Speaker 3: the universe. The wind and the waves bent to his will. 122 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:16,040 Speaker 3: They obeyed his voice. Even the seas knew he was 123 00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:20,200 Speaker 3: the Lord. As the seas danced in place, and the 124 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:24,120 Speaker 3: winds howled. The Egyptian army was closing the gap. The 125 00:08:24,160 --> 00:08:28,000 Speaker 3: oppressors were closing in on them, seeking to take their lives. 126 00:08:29,320 --> 00:08:32,800 Speaker 3: When every last man, woman and child were safe on 127 00:08:32,840 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 3: the other side, the waters fell on the army of chariots. 128 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:41,280 Speaker 3: All were consumed, and the oppressors drowned in the bottom 129 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:45,520 Speaker 3: of the sea. Israel saw the great power that the 130 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:49,440 Speaker 3: Lord used against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord, 131 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:57,600 Speaker 3: and they believed in the Lord as their salvation. Chapter nine. 132 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:05,000 Speaker 3: The storm within. Jesus regarded the crowd. There were thousands 133 00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:07,959 Speaker 3: of them gathered by the shore of the Sea of Galilee. 134 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:12,360 Speaker 3: The heavy breeze whistled in from the vast waters as 135 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:16,600 Speaker 3: Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. By this point 136 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:20,560 Speaker 3: Jesus had taught many things. People had traveled near and 137 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:25,440 Speaker 3: far to hear him speak. However, Jesus understood the state 138 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:30,160 Speaker 3: of every heart. Some would receive his words and others 139 00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:34,960 Speaker 3: would reject them. Looking to the crowd, Jesus began to 140 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:36,200 Speaker 3: speak in parables. 141 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:39,040 Speaker 7: The sowar went out to plant seeds in his fields. 142 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:42,320 Speaker 7: He arose early in the morning, eager for the crop, 143 00:09:42,679 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 7: awaiting him as he spread the seed. Some fell along 144 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:49,200 Speaker 7: the road beside the fields. The birds came and ate 145 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:53,360 Speaker 7: the seed up. Some seed fell upon hard and rocky ground. 146 00:09:53,679 --> 00:09:56,160 Speaker 7: There was no soil to nurture the seeds, so the 147 00:09:56,240 --> 00:10:00,120 Speaker 7: immediately it sprung up, but then it rotted since they 148 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:04,079 Speaker 7: had no depth. Other seeds fell by the thorns, where 149 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:07,600 Speaker 7: the weeds grew, and the weeds choked the life out 150 00:10:07,640 --> 00:10:08,199 Speaker 7: of the grain. 151 00:10:09,160 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 3: Jesus smiled and held up his finger. 152 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 7: Yet there was some seed who fell by the good soil. 153 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:19,560 Speaker 7: It was rich and fertile, and perfect for growth. The 154 00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:23,680 Speaker 7: seed that fell by the soil produced thirty sixty and 155 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:25,720 Speaker 7: a hundredfol. 156 00:10:25,640 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 3: Jesus scanned the faces of the people standing on the shore. 157 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:33,280 Speaker 3: He knew exactly where the seeds were falling. The clouds 158 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:35,920 Speaker 3: were beginning to darken, and the sun was hidden by 159 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:39,920 Speaker 3: the storm brewing in the horizon. The crowds were beginning 160 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:43,200 Speaker 3: to depart their homes. Those that lived on the coast 161 00:10:43,640 --> 00:10:46,960 Speaker 3: understood the matter at hand. The storm such as this 162 00:10:47,320 --> 00:10:49,600 Speaker 3: had the potential to rip a boat to shreds. 163 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:54,440 Speaker 1: Master, we should leave for tonight, Andrew said, A storm 164 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:56,079 Speaker 1: like this will not be kind to us. 165 00:10:56,880 --> 00:11:00,920 Speaker 3: The other disciples nodded Simon. James and On were fishermen 166 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:05,400 Speaker 3: and understood the volatile nature of the sea. They respected 167 00:11:05,440 --> 00:11:09,920 Speaker 3: the sea and feared its power. Jesus looked at the horizon. 168 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:13,600 Speaker 3: About five miles out was the other side of the sea. 169 00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:19,240 Speaker 3: The disciples watched Jesus's gaze closely. They could tell he 170 00:11:19,360 --> 00:11:23,400 Speaker 3: was up to something. Jesus smirked at his disciples and 171 00:11:23,520 --> 00:11:24,480 Speaker 3: hopped into the boat. 172 00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:28,240 Speaker 7: Come now, let us go to the other side. 173 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:32,160 Speaker 3: He said. The disciples stuttered and looked out on the horizon. 174 00:11:33,520 --> 00:11:37,120 Speaker 3: They obviously did not see what Jesus saw. They saw 175 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:40,320 Speaker 3: the gentle waves beginning to churn up into violent waves, 176 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 3: and the gentle breeze was beginning to pick up speed. Nevertheless, 177 00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:48,600 Speaker 3: they did as they were told and boarded Simon's fishing boat. 178 00:11:49,960 --> 00:11:53,880 Speaker 3: Andrew hoisted the sails as Simon manned the rudder. James 179 00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:57,240 Speaker 3: and John set the course and lifted the anchor. They 180 00:11:57,240 --> 00:12:00,280 Speaker 3: were professionals and sailed the boat like a musician and 181 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:03,839 Speaker 3: playing his lyre. For the first mile, the wind was 182 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,360 Speaker 3: blowing in the right direction for them to stay on course. 183 00:12:07,080 --> 00:12:09,840 Speaker 3: The boat rocked up and down to the volatile waves, 184 00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 3: and the rest of the disciples held under the sides 185 00:12:12,559 --> 00:12:16,480 Speaker 3: of the ship. John looked out at the horizon. On 186 00:12:16,520 --> 00:12:19,520 Speaker 3: the other side of the sea were jagged mountain ranges. 187 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:24,480 Speaker 3: They were dark and foreboding. There had been rumors of 188 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:27,840 Speaker 3: a man that lived in the caves there. They said 189 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:30,560 Speaker 3: he had the strength of a thousand men, and he 190 00:12:30,640 --> 00:12:34,040 Speaker 3: was able to break chains with his bare hands. The 191 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:38,760 Speaker 3: very thought sent shivers down John's spine. The sun had 192 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:42,760 Speaker 3: set and Jesus's eyes were heavy. He had spent much 193 00:12:42,760 --> 00:12:47,400 Speaker 3: of the day teaching, healing, and ministering to people, even 194 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:50,760 Speaker 3: with the glaring storm ahead. Jesus moved to the stern 195 00:12:50,800 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 3: of the ship, where there was an underhang to sleep. 196 00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:57,800 Speaker 3: He laid his head on the cushion and fell fast asleep. 197 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:02,400 Speaker 3: Simon looked at Jesus and then looked up at the clouds. 198 00:13:03,040 --> 00:13:07,200 Speaker 3: They were turning as dark as coal. He looked at Andrew, 199 00:13:07,559 --> 00:13:11,800 Speaker 3: concerned about their chances of making it to the other side. Then, 200 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:16,280 Speaker 3: with almost no notice, the winds shifted. The boom of 201 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:19,640 Speaker 3: the ship swung violently as the winds changed course, and 202 00:13:19,760 --> 00:13:23,720 Speaker 3: all the disciples ran for cover. Andrew leaped towards the 203 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:27,000 Speaker 3: rope and kept the boom from swinging, Simon could feel 204 00:13:27,040 --> 00:13:29,880 Speaker 3: the rudder pulling to the left on its own. This 205 00:13:30,080 --> 00:13:33,760 Speaker 3: is it, Peter thought, this is the end. Two winds 206 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:36,560 Speaker 3: blew in from the east and the west, colliding like 207 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:40,600 Speaker 3: two titans at war. Simon yelled at Andrew to lift 208 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:43,520 Speaker 3: the jibs so he could steer properly, but the winds 209 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:47,440 Speaker 3: were flying in too many directions. The Disciples did their 210 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 3: best to sail in front of the storm, but its 211 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:54,520 Speaker 3: reach was wide and violent. The rain began to beat 212 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:58,559 Speaker 3: down like arrows under the side of the boat. Andrew 213 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:01,679 Speaker 3: looked up at the sails. The wind was tearing them 214 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:05,920 Speaker 3: to shreds. As he looked up, a wave crashed against 215 00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:10,880 Speaker 3: the silent pressing Andrew went tumbling overboard. James launched himself 216 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:13,640 Speaker 3: towards Andrew and grabbed his hand. The sea was like 217 00:14:13,679 --> 00:14:17,640 Speaker 3: a beast seeking to devour its prey. Simon's hands were 218 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:20,240 Speaker 3: bleeding from gripping the rudder. He could not hold on 219 00:14:20,320 --> 00:14:23,359 Speaker 3: for much longer. Get the water out of the boat, 220 00:14:23,520 --> 00:14:27,080 Speaker 3: Simon screamed, clamping the rudder between his arms and chest 221 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 3: to keep it in place. The rest of the Disciples 222 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:33,600 Speaker 3: used pails to scoop the water out of the boat, 223 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:36,960 Speaker 3: all the while Jesus was sleeping underneath the safety of 224 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:41,560 Speaker 3: the stern. Simon clenched his eyes to his LEAs of coot. 225 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:44,680 Speaker 3: He was a man of the sea, but he could 226 00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:47,840 Speaker 3: not see a way out of this. He looked at Jesus, 227 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:52,000 Speaker 3: and he was angry, angry that they could be perishing, 228 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:55,000 Speaker 3: and he could be fast asleep. If he let go 229 00:14:55,160 --> 00:14:57,760 Speaker 3: of the rudder, the entire boat would spiral out of 230 00:14:57,800 --> 00:15:02,560 Speaker 3: control into the sea. The heaving tighter, blood drifting down 231 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:04,840 Speaker 3: into the pool of water beneath his feet. 232 00:15:05,480 --> 00:15:05,800 Speaker 7: Faster. 233 00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:11,120 Speaker 3: He whispered to himself, Master, he said, louder. Jesus did 234 00:15:11,160 --> 00:15:11,720 Speaker 3: not answer. 235 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:13,000 Speaker 7: Master. 236 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:16,520 Speaker 3: Simon yelled, did you send us out here just so 237 00:15:16,640 --> 00:15:17,480 Speaker 3: we could drown? 238 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:19,600 Speaker 4: Don't you even care? 239 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:24,640 Speaker 3: Simon yelled with a broken and frightened voice. Jesus arose 240 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:28,280 Speaker 3: from his sleep and looked at Simon. The wind was 241 00:15:28,320 --> 00:15:32,600 Speaker 3: piercing and ripped against Jesus's body, yet he stood to 242 00:15:32,640 --> 00:15:38,000 Speaker 3: his feet with complete composure. Simon watched as Jesus marched 243 00:15:38,080 --> 00:15:41,560 Speaker 3: up to the front of the vessel. The wind roared 244 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,080 Speaker 3: like a challenger to Jesus. The wind whipped at his back, 245 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:49,000 Speaker 3: and the rain fell down like gravel. Jesus looked at 246 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:53,280 Speaker 3: the storm like an adversary. The waves were merciless and 247 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:57,840 Speaker 3: smashed against the boat to rop Jesus overboard. Yet in 248 00:15:57,920 --> 00:16:02,120 Speaker 3: the midst of an unrelenting force, God's hero stood firm. 249 00:16:03,240 --> 00:16:08,200 Speaker 3: He stretched out his hand and said, be still. Jesus's 250 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:11,880 Speaker 3: voice rumbled like a lion's, and the waves were pushed 251 00:16:11,920 --> 00:16:15,400 Speaker 3: back by the power of his word. The clouds fled 252 00:16:15,480 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 3: like frightened animals. In an instant, the wind and waves 253 00:16:19,880 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 3: ceased their onslaught. As the clouds cleared, the stars manifested themselves. 254 00:16:27,960 --> 00:16:31,680 Speaker 3: Their twinkling lights danced in the reflection of the glassy 255 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 3: sea below. The light from the stars bounced in thousands 256 00:16:36,440 --> 00:16:42,440 Speaker 3: of directions. All was quiet, and Jesus's face was revealed 257 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:46,960 Speaker 3: in the dimly lit night. He closed his eyes and 258 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:52,240 Speaker 3: breathed in deeply. Jesus turned back to his disciples. 259 00:16:52,040 --> 00:16:54,160 Speaker 1: And said, where is your faith? 260 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:57,520 Speaker 3: Simon loosened his grip on the rudder and fell to 261 00:16:57,560 --> 00:17:01,880 Speaker 3: his knees. The disciples looked at Jesus standing at the 262 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:06,399 Speaker 3: front of the boat. They bowed in awe. It was 263 00:17:06,520 --> 00:17:10,760 Speaker 3: as if nature itself had bowed to him. He was 264 00:17:10,880 --> 00:17:14,399 Speaker 3: truly the creator of the universe. The wind and the 265 00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:18,840 Speaker 3: waves bent to his will. They obeyed his voice. Even 266 00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:24,320 Speaker 3: the seas knew he was the Lord. The night was 267 00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:28,000 Speaker 3: almost over, and the sun was rising over the glassy sea. 268 00:17:28,600 --> 00:17:32,600 Speaker 3: The other side was within view. Like a mother placing 269 00:17:32,640 --> 00:17:36,159 Speaker 3: her child down in its bed, the vessel was placed 270 00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:40,760 Speaker 3: carefully on to shore by the sea. The disciples stumbled 271 00:17:40,760 --> 00:17:44,680 Speaker 3: out of the boat, praising God they were alive. Matthew 272 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:47,959 Speaker 3: leapt out of the boat. I puked. All this was 273 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:51,159 Speaker 3: far more excitement than counting coins In the safety of 274 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:55,919 Speaker 3: his booth. The disciples embraced each other with exhausted laughter. 275 00:17:56,800 --> 00:18:02,960 Speaker 3: Jesus and Simon exchanged glances. Simon felt comforted by his presence. 276 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:06,320 Speaker 3: Jesus had told them they would make it to the 277 00:18:06,359 --> 00:18:11,040 Speaker 3: other side. They should have never doubted. Jesus laughed with 278 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:15,280 Speaker 3: his disciples and helped Matthew to his feet. As the 279 00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:17,520 Speaker 3: rest of the men made it off the boat, a 280 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:20,879 Speaker 3: deep and painful cry could be heard from the canyons. 281 00:18:21,960 --> 00:18:27,840 Speaker 3: The screams pierced through the mountains. John's eyes widened. The 282 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:32,199 Speaker 3: sound was bone chilling. James turned his head as the 283 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:35,960 Speaker 3: sound of screams and broken chains grew louder and louder. 284 00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:39,119 Speaker 3: The men looked to their right to see a beast 285 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:42,439 Speaker 3: of a man running towards them at full force. The 286 00:18:42,520 --> 00:18:46,680 Speaker 3: man was naked and blood dripped from his corn apart chest. 287 00:18:46,720 --> 00:18:49,840 Speaker 3: His eyes were filled with blood thirst, and his speed 288 00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:52,879 Speaker 3: was unnatural, even with the heavy chains dangling from his 289 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:57,640 Speaker 3: wrists and ankles. He huffed as he sprinted towards Jesus. 290 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 3: John was the first a boat back to the boat, 291 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:03,080 Speaker 3: and the rest of the disciples began to make a 292 00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:08,879 Speaker 3: run for it. However, Jesus stepped forward. The man continued 293 00:19:08,920 --> 00:19:12,560 Speaker 3: his pursuit like a predator, picking up speed with every step. 294 00:19:13,760 --> 00:19:18,080 Speaker 3: Jesus marched forward. The disciples had just watched him tame 295 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:21,200 Speaker 3: the seas, yet this man seemed to be more dangerous 296 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:24,639 Speaker 3: than the tempest. The man was closing the gap, and 297 00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:29,479 Speaker 3: Jesus continued as steadily march towards him. As he got close, 298 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:32,680 Speaker 3: the man leapt into the air to pounce on Jesus, 299 00:19:33,359 --> 00:19:36,640 Speaker 3: but he did not get the chance. Jesus held out 300 00:19:36,640 --> 00:19:39,360 Speaker 3: his hand, causing the man to jot back to the ground. 301 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:43,560 Speaker 3: He writhed on the floor. The blood on his chest 302 00:19:43,840 --> 00:19:48,080 Speaker 3: dripped down his entire body. Tears of pain and agony 303 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:52,720 Speaker 3: streamed down his face. He roared like a wounded animal. 304 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:57,639 Speaker 3: Jesus knew what was plaguing this man. A demon had 305 00:19:57,680 --> 00:20:01,399 Speaker 3: oppressed him. Jesus spent down to touch the man with 306 00:20:01,520 --> 00:20:05,040 Speaker 3: the demon leaped back on to his feet. He circled Jesus, 307 00:20:05,200 --> 00:20:08,920 Speaker 3: cocking his head back and forward as he spoke, why 308 00:20:08,960 --> 00:20:12,800 Speaker 3: have you come to me, Jesus, Son of the Most High? 309 00:20:13,160 --> 00:20:16,399 Speaker 3: The demon spoke that Jesus could hear the man behind 310 00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:20,879 Speaker 3: the voice. He was in pain and needed to be liberated. 311 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:25,440 Speaker 3: The man, much like the Disciples moments earlier, was caught 312 00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:29,399 Speaker 3: in an intense storm. You have come to torment me, 313 00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:34,159 Speaker 3: he screamed. He leaped forward again for another attack, but 314 00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:37,639 Speaker 3: was quickly thwarted. He was not able to lay a 315 00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:41,920 Speaker 3: hand on Jesus. Jesus tracked the demon as he circled 316 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:46,359 Speaker 3: around him. An ancient evil emanated from the demon and 317 00:20:46,560 --> 00:20:48,439 Speaker 3: evil Jesus was familiar with. 318 00:20:49,080 --> 00:20:50,200 Speaker 7: What is your name? 319 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:56,119 Speaker 3: Jesus asked. The Disciples were watching from afar. The demon 320 00:20:56,119 --> 00:20:59,560 Speaker 3: looked ready to attack at any moment, yet Jesus was 321 00:20:59,640 --> 00:21:03,919 Speaker 3: in no danger. Even the demons knew who their creator was. 322 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:10,359 Speaker 3: They dared not touch him. Our name is Legion, the 323 00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:15,000 Speaker 3: demon replied. His voice was jagged, like the grinding of 324 00:21:15,040 --> 00:21:19,680 Speaker 3: two stones. We are really, he said, with a laugh, 325 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:23,840 Speaker 3: a coarse smile curved on the sides of his mouth. 326 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:30,359 Speaker 3: He evoked numbers to intimidate Jesus. However, it would not work. 327 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:34,400 Speaker 3: Jesus took a few steps forward, and the demon tripped 328 00:21:34,480 --> 00:21:38,040 Speaker 3: and fell on his back. He was afraid of Jesus, 329 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:41,879 Speaker 3: and rightfully so. He stood in the presence of the 330 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:45,520 Speaker 3: Lion of Judah, the one who was prophesied to crush 331 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:50,359 Speaker 3: the serpent's head. The demon cowered in fear and fell 332 00:21:50,400 --> 00:21:53,800 Speaker 3: to its knees. Do not kill us, the demon said, 333 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:58,719 Speaker 3: Do not cast us into the dark oblivion. The demon 334 00:21:58,800 --> 00:22:02,560 Speaker 3: gestured toward a herd of pigs grazing on bluffs overlooking 335 00:22:02,600 --> 00:22:06,520 Speaker 3: the sea. Send us into the pigs, jest, Do not 336 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:12,840 Speaker 3: cast us out completely. The demons asked for mercy from Jesus. 337 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:17,440 Speaker 3: It was in odd exchange, and the disciples watched in awe. 338 00:22:18,400 --> 00:22:22,720 Speaker 7: Jesus nodded, be out of this man, Away with you. 339 00:22:23,320 --> 00:22:28,240 Speaker 3: He commanded. The man's body jolted backwards. He groaned and 340 00:22:28,280 --> 00:22:31,439 Speaker 3: screamed for a moment. Then there was silence as the 341 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:35,159 Speaker 3: man lay face down in the sand. Jesus looked up 342 00:22:35,160 --> 00:22:38,920 Speaker 3: to the gluffs overlooking the sea. The herd of swine 343 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:43,600 Speaker 3: began to circle in confusion, squealing, they writhed and whipped 344 00:22:43,640 --> 00:22:47,760 Speaker 3: their bodies in every direction. Eventually they all ran off 345 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:51,760 Speaker 3: the cliffs into the sea. All the demons were consumed, 346 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:56,400 Speaker 3: and the oppressors drowned in the bottom of the sea. 347 00:22:56,800 --> 00:22:59,720 Speaker 3: The pig herders ran after the falling pigs and watched 348 00:22:59,720 --> 00:23:03,240 Speaker 3: them in the bottom of the sea. They looked down 349 00:23:03,280 --> 00:23:07,399 Speaker 3: to see Jesus kneeling over the man. Legion had become 350 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:11,000 Speaker 3: a menace to the nearby community, so the herders ran 351 00:23:11,080 --> 00:23:14,280 Speaker 3: back into town right away to tell people what had happened. 352 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 3: Jesus looked over the man's mangled body. He was unconscious, 353 00:23:19,960 --> 00:23:24,359 Speaker 3: but alive and free from his oppressor. Jesus gestured for 354 00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:28,480 Speaker 3: the disciples to come and bring water in clothing. They 355 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:31,159 Speaker 3: looked at one another, nudging each one to go first. 356 00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:36,000 Speaker 3: Thaddeus came forward with some water, and James followed with 357 00:23:36,040 --> 00:23:42,680 Speaker 3: a tunic. John trailed timidly behind. Jesus gave him water, bread, 358 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:47,560 Speaker 3: and clothed him Andrew sewed up his scars best he could, 359 00:23:48,359 --> 00:23:52,720 Speaker 3: he only had experience with fishing nets. After having food 360 00:23:52,760 --> 00:23:56,959 Speaker 3: and water, the man began to think clearly. He stayed 361 00:23:57,080 --> 00:24:02,600 Speaker 3: close to Jesus, clinging to him like a fright and child. Eventually, 362 00:24:02,640 --> 00:24:05,800 Speaker 3: the pig herd Is returned with the mob of villagers. 363 00:24:06,280 --> 00:24:08,719 Speaker 3: They were expecting to drive out the man once again 364 00:24:09,040 --> 00:24:12,639 Speaker 3: and show him back into the mountains. For years, they 365 00:24:12,640 --> 00:24:15,840 Speaker 3: had shunned him, even resorting to chaining him to the 366 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:19,720 Speaker 3: cave walls. Yet he had broken his chains every time 367 00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:24,760 Speaker 3: and terrorized the village below. They found the man sitting 368 00:24:24,800 --> 00:24:28,639 Speaker 3: with the disciples in his right mind. They approached with 369 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:33,280 Speaker 3: pitchforks and daggers in their hands. The village leader approached 370 00:24:33,280 --> 00:24:37,040 Speaker 3: the group with his sword in hand. You must leave, please, 371 00:24:37,680 --> 00:24:41,200 Speaker 3: the man begged. His knees were trembling and his sword 372 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:44,000 Speaker 3: was shaking in his hand. Do not worry, friend, John 373 00:24:44,040 --> 00:24:46,359 Speaker 3: replied with a grin Jesus has healed him. 374 00:24:46,880 --> 00:24:50,120 Speaker 7: Look, this man is no longer possessed by that unclean spirit. 375 00:24:50,440 --> 00:24:52,320 Speaker 2: He is in his right mind, and there is nothing 376 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:52,800 Speaker 2: to fear. 377 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:56,919 Speaker 3: The people stirred as John said these things. The leader 378 00:24:57,000 --> 00:24:57,840 Speaker 3: nodded his head. 379 00:24:58,359 --> 00:25:00,919 Speaker 4: Yes, we can see that the man is clear. However, 380 00:25:01,200 --> 00:25:03,320 Speaker 4: it is not him. We are afraid of. 381 00:25:03,720 --> 00:25:07,760 Speaker 3: The man gestured towards Jesus. The disciples tilted their heads 382 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:13,000 Speaker 3: in confusion. Jesus understood their fear. They were more afraid 383 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:17,080 Speaker 3: of the power Jesus had than the danger the demon posed. Please, 384 00:25:17,560 --> 00:25:18,480 Speaker 3: he said politely. 385 00:25:18,800 --> 00:25:21,440 Speaker 4: What you have done is miraculous, But do not come 386 00:25:21,480 --> 00:25:24,200 Speaker 4: back here. We want no more dealings with demons. 387 00:25:24,680 --> 00:25:27,879 Speaker 3: So Jesus waved for his disciples to follow him, and 388 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:31,760 Speaker 3: they departed back to their boat. The men boarded the 389 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:34,119 Speaker 3: boat and James and John were began to push the 390 00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:39,119 Speaker 3: boat out to sea. Wait, take me with you, the 391 00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:43,040 Speaker 3: healed man yelled as he came towards the boat. Don't 392 00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:46,359 Speaker 3: leave me here with them. The man came to the boat, 393 00:25:46,520 --> 00:25:50,760 Speaker 3: and Jesus jumped off and embraced him. He enveloped him 394 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:54,480 Speaker 3: with fatherly love, and the man began to weep. They 395 00:25:54,640 --> 00:25:59,400 Speaker 3: changed me to the cave, he whispered. In Jesus's shoulder. 396 00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:05,240 Speaker 3: Tears streamed down his cheeks. The disciples hearts broke as 397 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:09,040 Speaker 3: they watched. Jesus held his shoulders and looked him in 398 00:26:09,119 --> 00:26:11,639 Speaker 3: the eye. No, my child, he said. 399 00:26:12,359 --> 00:26:16,480 Speaker 7: Something grand has happened to you. Tell people the story, 400 00:26:16,840 --> 00:26:20,960 Speaker 7: Tell them how you are lost and now you are found, 401 00:26:20,800 --> 00:26:23,960 Speaker 7: and tell them of the great things that you witness. 402 00:26:24,280 --> 00:26:27,480 Speaker 7: Tell them how much the Lord has done for you. 403 00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:32,840 Speaker 3: The man wiped his nose and nodded. Jesus smiled and 404 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:37,640 Speaker 3: gave him one final embrace. He boarded the boat. James 405 00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:40,600 Speaker 3: and John launched the boat into the sea, and Simon 406 00:26:40,680 --> 00:26:44,680 Speaker 3: held the rudder once again. Andrew let the sails down, 407 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:48,600 Speaker 3: and the Disciples departed. The man stood at the shore line, 408 00:26:48,800 --> 00:26:53,400 Speaker 3: watching as the boat faded into the horizon. For years, 409 00:26:53,760 --> 00:26:57,800 Speaker 3: his body was not his own. He was enslaved. Yet 410 00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:01,520 Speaker 3: God had liberated him and delivered him from his oppressors. 411 00:27:02,400 --> 00:27:06,320 Speaker 3: Legion was consumed and his oppressors drowned in the bottom 412 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:09,800 Speaker 3: of the sea. He saw the great power that the 413 00:27:09,840 --> 00:27:12,960 Speaker 3: Lord used against the demons, so he feared the Lord 414 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:19,359 Speaker 3: and believed in the Lord as his salvation. The Disciples 415 00:27:19,359 --> 00:27:22,640 Speaker 3: watched as the man shrunk out of view. The light 416 00:27:22,720 --> 00:27:26,679 Speaker 3: wind was gliding over the glassy waters. The sail was 417 00:27:26,680 --> 00:27:31,720 Speaker 3: perfectly taut, propelling the boat forward. They looked at Jesus, 418 00:27:32,280 --> 00:27:37,359 Speaker 3: silent and in awe. Jesus had calmed the seas and 419 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:41,439 Speaker 3: the wind, nature itself bent to his will. Then the 420 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:45,639 Speaker 3: demons themselves quaked at his name. He was not just 421 00:27:45,720 --> 00:27:48,560 Speaker 3: able to calm the wind in the waves, but also 422 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:53,040 Speaker 3: the storm within Jesus. Philip said, what was the purpose 423 00:27:53,119 --> 00:27:56,000 Speaker 3: of the sower and the seed parable? There was a 424 00:27:56,080 --> 00:28:00,320 Speaker 3: chuckle among the group. They had all been confused, too 425 00:28:00,359 --> 00:28:04,880 Speaker 3: prideful to ask. Jesus smirked and pulled his hair back. 426 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:07,840 Speaker 3: He looked up at them and loved them. 427 00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:10,720 Speaker 7: The sore is the one who preaches the word. 428 00:28:10,520 --> 00:28:15,120 Speaker 3: Of God, Jesus replied. The disciples huddled in and rested 429 00:28:15,160 --> 00:28:18,920 Speaker 3: in the boat. They listened to Jesus with eyes half open. 430 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,280 Speaker 3: It had been a long night and a long day. 431 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:26,679 Speaker 3: They were content to be by Jesus's side, listening to 432 00:28:26,760 --> 00:28:31,040 Speaker 3: his wisdom. The sun was setting and the skies were 433 00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:36,400 Speaker 3: splashed with a deep orange. Jesus continued explaining the parable. 434 00:28:36,080 --> 00:28:40,680 Speaker 7: Saying, when some people hear Satan immediately comes and takes 435 00:28:40,720 --> 00:28:43,520 Speaker 7: away the word that was given to them, those are 436 00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:46,680 Speaker 7: the seeds that fall by the road. The rocky ground 437 00:28:46,680 --> 00:28:49,640 Speaker 7: represents those who have been hearing the word. They immediately 438 00:28:49,880 --> 00:28:54,960 Speaker 7: receive it with enthusiasm, However, they have no depth, and 439 00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:59,479 Speaker 7: the root is unable to endure. When persecution or trials arise, 440 00:28:59,600 --> 00:29:01,280 Speaker 7: they now they shrink away. 441 00:29:01,760 --> 00:29:05,520 Speaker 3: Jesus then darted his eyes towards Judas, who was silently 442 00:29:05,560 --> 00:29:07,120 Speaker 3: listening in the back of the boat. 443 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:10,360 Speaker 7: Then there are those by the thor. They hear the word, 444 00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:14,280 Speaker 7: but all the fears, doubts, greed, and anxieties of the 445 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:16,960 Speaker 7: world choke them out, and they bear no fruit. 446 00:29:17,280 --> 00:29:20,360 Speaker 3: The disciples were nodding. They bounced up and down to 447 00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:23,200 Speaker 3: the waves, and the light breeze continued to move the 448 00:29:23,280 --> 00:29:24,080 Speaker 3: vessel forward. 449 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:28,280 Speaker 7: Then there are some that fell into good soil. They 450 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:32,440 Speaker 7: are the ones who hear, accept and transform. They produce 451 00:29:32,560 --> 00:29:36,920 Speaker 7: fruit for all to enjoy, and God is glorified in them. 452 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:41,440 Speaker 3: Jesus finished explaining, and many of the disciples blissfully fell asleep, 453 00:29:42,720 --> 00:29:46,719 Speaker 3: all but Simon, who was staying the course. When they 454 00:29:46,760 --> 00:29:49,440 Speaker 3: had finally made it to shore, Simon tied up the 455 00:29:49,440 --> 00:29:52,280 Speaker 3: boat and walked to the stern where Jesus had slept. 456 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:56,240 Speaker 3: He crawled under the overhang and fell into a deep sleep. 457 00:29:57,400 --> 00:30:02,000 Speaker 3: Jesus watched the stars replace the setting sun. There was 458 00:30:02,040 --> 00:30:05,280 Speaker 3: still a greater storm to be calmed. There was still 459 00:30:05,280 --> 00:30:08,920 Speaker 3: a greater enemy to be vanquished. When the time came, 460 00:30:09,480 --> 00:30:13,280 Speaker 3: he would be ready. He looked at his disciples and 461 00:30:13,400 --> 00:30:17,440 Speaker 3: rested his head against the mast. He would endure the 462 00:30:17,480 --> 00:30:19,840 Speaker 3: storm so they wouldn't have to. 463 00:30:23,840 --> 00:30:27,160 Speaker 2: Do you even care? This was the question the Hebrews 464 00:30:27,160 --> 00:30:30,520 Speaker 2: shouted at Moses when the Egyptians were pursuing them. This 465 00:30:30,720 --> 00:30:33,520 Speaker 2: was also the question the disciples shouted at Jesus when 466 00:30:33,520 --> 00:30:35,760 Speaker 2: they thought they were going to drown at the bottom 467 00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:39,640 Speaker 2: of the sea. Don't you care? God? Where are you 468 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:43,400 Speaker 2: during this trial? Are you even listening to me? These 469 00:30:43,400 --> 00:30:45,920 Speaker 2: are some of the most common questions we ask God 470 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:49,600 Speaker 2: when we are scared, tired, and alone. When life sends 471 00:30:49,680 --> 00:30:53,120 Speaker 2: us unexpected storms and our emotions toss us to and fro, 472 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:57,320 Speaker 2: we often wonder if God cares it all. This episode 473 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:01,600 Speaker 2: sought to answer that question with a resounding Yes. God 474 00:31:01,680 --> 00:31:04,840 Speaker 2: cares about you, and he is with you in every circumstance. 475 00:31:05,640 --> 00:31:08,640 Speaker 2: The prelude connected us to a common motif in scripture 476 00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:11,600 Speaker 2: that is revisited in this story, and it is the 477 00:31:11,640 --> 00:31:15,840 Speaker 2: motif of unruly and chaotic waters. To unpact this theme, 478 00:31:16,320 --> 00:31:18,080 Speaker 2: we will need to go to the very beginning in 479 00:31:18,120 --> 00:31:21,680 Speaker 2: Genesis when God was forming the world from the chaotic void. 480 00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:25,080 Speaker 2: As you know, scripture is rich with imagery and motifs 481 00:31:25,080 --> 00:31:27,760 Speaker 2: to signal to us what God is up to, and 482 00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:30,320 Speaker 2: there is, in my opinion, one image that sits above 483 00:31:30,320 --> 00:31:34,600 Speaker 2: the rest water. You have the same still and quiet waters, 484 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:38,720 Speaker 2: representing the refreshing presence of God's spirit. Then you have 485 00:31:38,760 --> 00:31:42,560 Speaker 2: the raging seas, representing the chaos and unpredictability of the world. 486 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:45,920 Speaker 2: These chaotic waters were present in the beginning before God 487 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:49,440 Speaker 2: spoke light and life over the void. Genesis one two. 488 00:31:49,440 --> 00:31:52,880 Speaker 2: The four says the earth was without form and void, 489 00:31:53,080 --> 00:31:55,320 Speaker 2: and darkness was on the face of the deep, and 490 00:31:55,360 --> 00:31:57,640 Speaker 2: the spirit of God was hovering over the face of 491 00:31:57,680 --> 00:32:01,040 Speaker 2: the waters. Then God said, let there be light. And 492 00:32:01,160 --> 00:32:03,920 Speaker 2: there was light. And God saw the light that it 493 00:32:03,960 --> 00:32:07,000 Speaker 2: was good. And God divided the light from the darkness 494 00:32:07,640 --> 00:32:11,000 Speaker 2: with a word. Chaos and darkness were tamed. Since the 495 00:32:11,080 --> 00:32:13,800 Speaker 2: very beginning, God has been reminding us that his very 496 00:32:13,840 --> 00:32:17,160 Speaker 2: word can calm the storm and bring light to the darkness. 497 00:32:17,640 --> 00:32:21,000 Speaker 2: Dark and chaotic are the appropriate adjectives for the times 498 00:32:21,040 --> 00:32:24,520 Speaker 2: we find ourselves in, and it was the very literal 499 00:32:24,560 --> 00:32:29,240 Speaker 2: circumstance the disciples found themselves in During this episode, rain 500 00:32:29,320 --> 00:32:32,520 Speaker 2: beat down like arrows, and waves crashed against the ship 501 00:32:32,680 --> 00:32:36,680 Speaker 2: like giants. They were trapped in chaos and darkness, just 502 00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:40,600 Speaker 2: like the Israelites were when being pursued by Egypt, and 503 00:32:40,680 --> 00:32:43,760 Speaker 2: the question the disciples had for Jesus was an interesting one, 504 00:32:44,280 --> 00:32:48,000 Speaker 2: one that shakes us to the core. Teacher, do you 505 00:32:48,200 --> 00:32:51,959 Speaker 2: not care that we are perishing? You? See, they are 506 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:54,960 Speaker 2: questions that we may think matter most to people when 507 00:32:54,960 --> 00:32:58,000 Speaker 2: it comes to God, questions that require a case on 508 00:32:58,080 --> 00:33:01,320 Speaker 2: the seven day creation, on too logical reasoning for the 509 00:33:01,360 --> 00:33:05,840 Speaker 2: existence of God, or other matters of apologetics. However, when 510 00:33:05,880 --> 00:33:08,719 Speaker 2: people are in the midst of chaos and darkness, they 511 00:33:08,720 --> 00:33:13,320 Speaker 2: are often asking does God care about me? I'm perishing? 512 00:33:13,760 --> 00:33:17,320 Speaker 2: Does Jesus even care? Those are the questions we must 513 00:33:17,360 --> 00:33:21,360 Speaker 2: wrestle with the most. This episode sought to remind the 514 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:25,040 Speaker 2: fearful and wondering heart that Jesus is in control. He 515 00:33:25,120 --> 00:33:28,640 Speaker 2: stepped forward and calmed the raging seas. He spoke saying 516 00:33:28,920 --> 00:33:33,040 Speaker 2: be still, and the storm ceased its rage, just as 517 00:33:33,040 --> 00:33:35,640 Speaker 2: he spoke peace over the waters in Genesis and part 518 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:38,840 Speaker 2: of the seas in Exodus. Jesus quelled the storm and 519 00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:42,360 Speaker 2: brought peace to chaos for the Disciples. Did you notice 520 00:33:42,400 --> 00:33:46,440 Speaker 2: Simon's posture during and after the storm? As the storm raged, 521 00:33:46,800 --> 00:33:50,280 Speaker 2: Simon gripped the rudder till his hands bled. He desperately 522 00:33:50,280 --> 00:33:52,959 Speaker 2: tried to fight against the storm, but felt his strength 523 00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:56,680 Speaker 2: failing him. However, after Jesus stepped up to the bow 524 00:33:56,760 --> 00:34:00,480 Speaker 2: and calmed the storm, Simon's grip loosened and he let 525 00:34:00,520 --> 00:34:03,880 Speaker 2: down his God. Is this you today? Are you in 526 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:06,680 Speaker 2: a losing battle with the storms of life? Do you 527 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:11,200 Speaker 2: feel tired, weary and unable to press on? The struggle 528 00:34:11,239 --> 00:34:13,520 Speaker 2: of every believer is to loosen our grip on the 529 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:16,920 Speaker 2: rudder and let Jesus take over. He alone can speak 530 00:34:16,960 --> 00:34:20,640 Speaker 2: peace over the storms that rage around us. Just when 531 00:34:20,680 --> 00:34:23,399 Speaker 2: the Disciples thought they were safe, a demon possessed man 532 00:34:23,520 --> 00:34:27,040 Speaker 2: ran toward them from the mountains. These disciples went from 533 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:30,600 Speaker 2: a near death experience to a demoniac chasing them, But 534 00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:33,960 Speaker 2: such is the life of a disciple. The men ran away, 535 00:34:34,239 --> 00:34:37,600 Speaker 2: but Jesus stepped forward. This is a very important theme 536 00:34:37,640 --> 00:34:41,479 Speaker 2: in our series. When others run away, Jesus runs toward 537 00:34:41,520 --> 00:34:46,080 Speaker 2: the fray. While others cower in fear. Jesus courageously faces 538 00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:49,880 Speaker 2: his foe he steps toward the demon and engages with him. 539 00:34:50,320 --> 00:34:53,080 Speaker 2: It becomes very apparent to us that demons do not 540 00:34:53,200 --> 00:34:56,000 Speaker 2: see Jesus as an equal. They know better than most 541 00:34:56,080 --> 00:34:58,480 Speaker 2: that he is the son of God and vastly more 542 00:34:58,560 --> 00:35:01,920 Speaker 2: powerful than them. Jesus isn't scared of the same things 543 00:35:01,920 --> 00:35:04,480 Speaker 2: we are, nor does he feel overwhelmed by the things 544 00:35:04,520 --> 00:35:07,960 Speaker 2: that overwhelm us. He is steady when we feel unsteady, 545 00:35:08,440 --> 00:35:12,120 Speaker 2: brave when we feel afraid, and able when we are unable. 546 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:16,799 Speaker 2: Whatever we lack, Jesus has in abundance. It is clear 547 00:35:16,840 --> 00:35:20,239 Speaker 2: what this man lacked peace. For years, he was tormented 548 00:35:20,280 --> 00:35:23,080 Speaker 2: by a legion of demons and hid away in the mountains. 549 00:35:23,640 --> 00:35:26,279 Speaker 2: He was a danger to himself and those around him. 550 00:35:26,880 --> 00:35:29,400 Speaker 2: The villagers bound him in chains, and he cut himself 551 00:35:29,440 --> 00:35:32,240 Speaker 2: with stones. He was caught in a storm of his own. 552 00:35:32,600 --> 00:35:36,200 Speaker 2: Only this storm was not around him, but within him. 553 00:35:36,600 --> 00:35:38,960 Speaker 2: This story presents us with the two different types of 554 00:35:38,960 --> 00:35:42,520 Speaker 2: storms we face. Some storms are outside of us, they 555 00:35:42,520 --> 00:35:46,200 Speaker 2: are contextual and rage around us. Example of these storms 556 00:35:46,239 --> 00:35:48,600 Speaker 2: can be a layoff at work, death in the family, 557 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:52,040 Speaker 2: or health crisis. But there are other storms that rage 558 00:35:52,080 --> 00:35:56,719 Speaker 2: within us. Inner storms. Examples of these can be depression, anxiety, 559 00:35:57,040 --> 00:36:01,280 Speaker 2: or addiction. This episode seeks to remind us that Jesus 560 00:36:01,360 --> 00:36:04,719 Speaker 2: is in control over the outer and inner storms. He 561 00:36:04,760 --> 00:36:08,560 Speaker 2: wants to say, be still to all that thrashes within 562 00:36:08,680 --> 00:36:13,000 Speaker 2: and without. The episode ends with a grander point. There 563 00:36:13,120 --> 00:36:16,080 Speaker 2: was still a greater storm to be calm. There was 564 00:36:16,120 --> 00:36:19,479 Speaker 2: still a greater enemy to be vanquished. When the time came, 565 00:36:19,560 --> 00:36:22,239 Speaker 2: he would be ready. He looked at his disciples and 566 00:36:22,360 --> 00:36:25,480 Speaker 2: rested his head against the mast. He would endure the 567 00:36:25,520 --> 00:36:30,120 Speaker 2: storm so they wouldn't have to. Sin is the ultimate storm. 568 00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:34,920 Speaker 2: It swell overwhelms us, and its wind thrashes us. For 569 00:36:35,000 --> 00:36:38,359 Speaker 2: those caught in a whirlwind of their own sin, I 570 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:41,360 Speaker 2: want to remind you that Jesus cares. He cares deeply 571 00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:45,359 Speaker 2: about you, your salvation, and your heart. He cares so much, 572 00:36:45,440 --> 00:36:48,160 Speaker 2: in fact, that he was willing to endure the cross. 573 00:36:48,680 --> 00:36:51,280 Speaker 2: In the same way the voice of God spoke life 574 00:36:51,320 --> 00:36:54,680 Speaker 2: and light into the chaotic void, Jesus wants to speak 575 00:36:54,840 --> 00:36:57,799 Speaker 2: life and light into your heart. In the same way 576 00:36:57,800 --> 00:37:01,400 Speaker 2: God parted the raging seas or Israel could escape their enemies. 577 00:37:01,800 --> 00:37:04,120 Speaker 2: Jesus wants to make a way for you to escape 578 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:07,280 Speaker 2: the grips of sin. In the same way Jesus calm 579 00:37:07,320 --> 00:37:10,440 Speaker 2: the storm for the disciples. Jesus wants to give you 580 00:37:10,520 --> 00:37:13,239 Speaker 2: peace in the midst of brokenness. In the same way 581 00:37:13,320 --> 00:37:16,800 Speaker 2: Jesus took control over Legion, he wants to take control 582 00:37:16,880 --> 00:37:21,440 Speaker 2: over your mind and heart. Jesus cares deeply. My final 583 00:37:21,480 --> 00:37:24,600 Speaker 2: prayer in light of this episode today is that Jesus 584 00:37:24,640 --> 00:37:26,960 Speaker 2: would grant you peace in the midst of the storm. 585 00:37:27,680 --> 00:37:30,840 Speaker 2: In our next episode, a beloved character will wrestle with 586 00:37:30,920 --> 00:37:33,680 Speaker 2: his own inner and out of storms. Alone in a 587 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:37,799 Speaker 2: jail cell, he will ask a similar question, does Jesus care? 588 00:37:38,440 --> 00:37:41,960 Speaker 2: Join us? Next time for episode ten, God or Ghost, 589 00:37:42,800 --> 00:37:46,920 Speaker 2: thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, 590 00:37:46,960 --> 00:37:49,959 Speaker 2: and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray dot 591 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:53,360 Speaker 2: com and to expand your heroes in the Bible Journey, 592 00:37:53,840 --> 00:37:57,319 Speaker 2: download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot 593 00:37:57,400 --> 00:38:00,920 Speaker 2: org Forward slash Heroes. Please please write a review and 594 00:38:01,040 --> 00:38:04,440 Speaker 2: let me know how Jesus and this podcast have impacted 595 00:38:04,480 --> 00:38:05,840 Speaker 2: your life. God bless