St. John Lutheran Church

Isaiah 43:1-3a & Mark 6:45-56

“Take heart, it is I”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

This past week [three of our children from Saint Paul’s along with myself] our children participated in VBS at St. John. The theme verse for our week is found in this text from Isaiah: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3a)

And as we passed through different waters on our rafting river adventure this past week we heard about Adventure: Jesus calling disciples to be fishers of men; we read about Acceptance: how God accepted Mary and Martha and all people; for He loves us all. We heard about Joy and the joy of forgiveness of sins like that received by Zacchaeus. We heard about receiving rest in Christ our Lord; the same rest we receive through His life giving meal; His very body and blood which gives us strength and forgiveness. We finished by learning about the gift of peace. Peace found in Christ who is always with us…even when we can’t see Him.

Christ is always with us…just as He was with others through history; throughout Scripture. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2). We hear that promise and we remember how God commanded Noah to build an ark…and protected Noah in that arc as the world was destroyed by a flood.  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2). And we remember God’s people, the Israelites, fleeing from the Egyptian army and crossing the Red Sea on dry ground as Moses held up his staff. And the Lord was with them holding back the waters from destroying His people.  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2). And we remember the different times when the Disciples were in a boat and were caught in a dangerous storm or fighting strong winds and Christ calmed the wind and the waves.

Most importantly when we hear that verse again: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”(Isaiah 43:2). We remember the font. We remember Holy Baptism. And as each of us passed from death to life in those waters Jesus was with us. He continues to be with us.

He is with us as we are found in the arc of His Church where He gathers us and protects us. He is with us as our enemy Satan attacks us and He protects us on all sides. He is with us as we fight the storms of this life; and there are many. He is with us as we struggle with pains. He is with us as we fight fear, worry, and anxiety. He is with us when we can’t forgive others or ourselves. He is with us as we mourn and question. He is with us when we lose a loved one, lose our friends, lose relationships, lose a job. He is with us as we rejoice as well. He is with us when we are happy and full of love. He is with us always.

“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.” (Mark 6:45-51)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. God sends us out. He sends us out into a sinful world. He sends us to family and friends whom we love. He sends us to neighbors whom we know. He sends us even to our enemies who hate us. God sends us out to share His love. And like the Disciples…often when we are sent we hit strong winds and rough waters. We often seem to be treading water and getting nowhere. Sometimes it seems like we will be overcome. But Jesus is with us. And as you face the challenges of this world; as you fear for your faith and very life; as sin surrounds you… hear the words of Jesus. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”(Mark 6:50)

Take heart. Christ is with you! Do not be afraid. Your Savior is victorious…and so are you!  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3a)

You have been redeemed by Christ. You have been called by name through the waters of Holy Baptism. You belong to Christ. And no one…not even Satan…can snatch you from your Heavenly Father’s hands. Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.