From Calm to Chaos

What should we do when life goes from calm to chaos in an instant? The answer and point of the lesson is this: In our darkest hour we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence knowing that we will be received not with judgment, but with sympathy and mercy. Why should we expect such a reception?

1. In Hebrews 2:14-18 we learn that (see also Hebrews 4:14-16):
   1. He was made exactly like us: fully human in every way.
   2. This qualified him to be the perfect high priest providing for us the perfect sacrifice.
   3. That he could give the gift of mercy and sympathy in our time of need
   4. That he was tempted in every way exactly like us, and although he did not sin he did suffer greatly because of temptation, just like us. It wasn’t easy for him.
   5. In short in any and all circumstances Jesus knows exactly how we feel.
2. Since Jesus knows how we feel by walking a mile in our shoes let’s take a walk for just one day: 24 hours in Jesus’s shoes. That day is recorded in Mathew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6.
   1. The day begins with Jesus alone by the sea of Galilee, in peaceful tranquility.
   2. Then his peace is shattered by the news that John has been beheaded.
   3. Next the 12 apostles come back from their first missions trip full of excitement over healing the sick and casting out demons, and they brought a crowd.
   4. Jesus immediately puts the 12 in a boat and they escape to the other side of the sea.
   5. When they arrive there is a crowd of over 5,000. He tends to them, heals them, and teaches them all day long and feeds them with 5 loaves and 2 fish.
   6. At the end of the day he teaches the 12 in private, then sends them in boats back across the sea.
   7. Jesus then sends the crowds away and retreats to a mountain to pray all night.
   8. He then begins walking across the sea in a storm. The apostles spot him and are afraid. Peter tries to walk on water but fails.
   9. When they reach the other side, Jesus gets no rest . . . another large crowd awaits them.

What a 24-hour-period! Can there be any doubt that the Jesus knows exactly how we feel when life goes from “Calm to Chaos”?