Transitions Text: Mark 4:35-41
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Introduction: Notice in vs. 35 Jesus say’s, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Here’s several definitions for ‘Transition’ passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : CHANGE a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another. [Jesus wanted to take His disciples through a transition]. The Holy Spirit wants us to make transitions. The “other side” represents our God- given destinies, the plans and purposes of God for our lives.
I.Jesus gives us the pattern for transitioning into our God-given destines. It involves at least 6 steps: 1. Follow the right leader! When Jesus said in vs.35 “Let us cross over,” He was implying that His disciples must follow Him to transition to the next place. Jesus always led and His disciples always followed!
A.The pattern hasn’t changed; we must follow the right leader! Jesus is the only one who knows where you are going and how to get you there!
B.Vs.36 say’s, that they (Jesus’ disciples) left the multitude. 2. You have to leave the multitude behind!
C.They left the safety of the crowds because they wanted to be part of something larger! (The choices you make on daily basics will determine your transition latter.) Remember Philip leaving the multitude to lead an Ethiopia unto the Lord!
D.The multitude mentality is one of mediocrity and negativity. The multitude is more concerned about conformity than commitment! (Crowds are good in the right enviroment.)
E.Vs.36 say’s that the disciples and Jesus got in the boat. 3. You have to be willing to get on the boat! A boat is a vessel that enables you to do something you could not do in your own ability.
F.The disciples had a physical boat, but our boat is the local church! The church is the vessel God has constructed to help us reach our God-given destinies. It’s the vehicle that provides protection, direction, encouragement and accountability. (In Matthew 16 Jesus said that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against His church!)
G.Go to a church that has Jesus right in the middle of its Fellowship, teaching, preaching, worship and giving!
H.4. Watch your confession! Vs.37-38 say’s Jesus and His disciples were in a storm, and Jesus’ disciples cried out that they were going to die! We must be careful about what we declare, especially during the storms of life!
I.We must remember to say what God says about every situation! Stand on God’s word and its promises! (II. Cor.1:19-20 God’s promises are Yes and Amen!)
J.5. Learn to handle the storm. I try to remember the last thing God spoke to me and hang on by faith until I hear something different from Him! Vs.38 say’s, “Jesus was asleep on a pillow!” When Jesus got up He rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea.
K.The wind represents the unseen forces, and the waves represent the seen forces! Sometimes just the wind (the unseen) is enough to get us off course!
L.6. Allow your faith to grow! Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Vs.40 Jesus cried out, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” If you will get to know Jesus during the quite times of you’re life you will know Him during the storms!
M.Let’s get a new revelation of who Jesus is and where He wants to take us! Vs.41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Let us cross over to the other side, and allow transition!
