Understanding the Loaves and Fish

Posted on January 9, 2015 by David Nuottila

Feeding 5000Mark 6:34-44

Jesus and the twelve set out in the boat to get away for a while, but when they reached the shore the crowds were waiting for them. Jesus was in high demand; there were crowds at every turn. Instead, their desolate place was busy, noisy and chaotic. By the day’s end, the large crowd numbered in the thousands, the disciples were tiring and the crowd was hungry. They pleaded with Jesus to send the people away. Imagine their response when Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Quickly, the disciples took inventory and found only a few loaves and fish. Surely this wasn’t enough to do the job. What followed was perhaps Jesus’ greatest miracle.

The church today is also filled with weary disciples, yet Jesus’ command to feed the hungry still stands. Responding to the call, congregations do as the twelve; they quickly take inventory. When the accounting is done, we often come up with the same conclusion; we don’t have enough. Our few loaves and fish can’t possibly do all the work Jesus calls us to do; especially when we have needs of our own.

Understanding Jesus’ miracle is paramount to the ministry of the church. Left on our own, we will always come up short. Yet, God provides all that is necessary to do his will. When we follow the instruction of our Lord and teacher, we are able to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and reach out to the lost and lonely. All the while the amount left over will be nothing short of amazing.

Help us. O God, to realize the abundance of your blessing, that we might share these gifts with others. Amen.

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Finding Rest

Posted on January 8, 2015 by David Nuottila

Mark 6_31

Mark 6:7-13, 30-33

The disciples returned from the mission from which Jesus sent them filled with excitement. They couldn’t wait to report to their teacher the many things they had done in his name. Jesus gave them the power and authority. In Christ’s name, the twelve cast out demons, anointed many with oil and healed the sick. Pairing up and traveling from place to place, the disciples preached the message of repentance to all who would hear. Certainly there was plenty to discuss, but understanding their needs, Jesus invited them to come to a place of rest for they had done much in the way of ministering to God’s people.

Life as a disciple of Christ is much the same today. Those who are engaged in ministering to the sick, hungry, homeless and lost find that there is seemingly no end to such mission. Even the people of God who come weekly to worship often lean heavily upon those called to ministry. Even still, the passion and excitement displayed by the twelve is paralleled by today’s disciple. Similarly, just as with the twelve, seldom is there a day when such a disciple may take full advantage of finding a desolate place to rest. Even in that desolate place, the disciple loves those whom God has placed in his charge; he cares for the sick, tends to the needy and prays for the flock. The notion of rest seems unattainable, yet Jesus realizes and understands their needs.

Following the boat that carried Jesus and the twelve to that “desolate” place was a great crowd. When Jesus saw them, he had compassion and called his disciples to give them something to eat. What followed was perhaps one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles. Not only did Jesus feed the multitude, he fed the twelve. As we continue to trust and follow our Lord, Jesus continues to feed us with the truth of the gospel, the compassion of God’s love and with food from heaven provided in abundance. The blessing of being in ministry and service in the name of Christ is such that as the disciple grows tired, Jesus fills them with power, even when the desolate place is not so peaceful.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for preparing your disciples for ministry. Give us strength to do your will, understanding that we may take our rest in you. Amen.

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The Healing Power of Christ

Posted on August 16, 2014 by David Nuottila

Do not fearMark 5: 21-43

Just as it was when Jesus reached the shore of the Gentiles, it is the same when he returns to the shore of Jewish territory; someone in need of a miracle immediately falls at his feet. In the land of the Gerasenes it was a crazed demoniac, now it is Jairus, the leader of the local synagogue. One fell at Jesus’ feet and asked, “What have you to do with me Jesus?” The other begged Jesus to come. Such are the contrasting views concerning faith and Jesus’ power to heal whom he will.

The world is filled with powers that defy God, those that would claim faith in Jesus is really a sign of weakness. After all, it is human nature to attempt to take control of life and force an outcome. Non-believers and naysayers look toward any means other than Christ in order to have what they will. In such a world, good fortune and affliction are defined as karma or some other circumstantial power dictating fate. “What comes around goes around.” Within such a life there is no room for a loving compassionate God, only the false assurance that “It’s my life and I’m in control.” Yet, as we see with the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus has power to overcome and defeat powers no human can control. Jesus restores the man to wholeness and brings him to faith.

With Jairus we have a much different picture. Here is a man of status, one who has certain authority. He recognizes his limited human ability and is willing to yield to the power and authority of God. On the way, however, there is an interruption. Another person in need of a miracle reaches out to Jesus. She reaches out and she is healed. How often do we encounter such interruptions? How many times might we feel Jesus is otherwise preoccupied, neglecting our urgent need? News came to Jairus that his daughter had indeed died. Jairus’ faith gave way to despair, but with Jesus, hope is never lost. Jesus reassures him, “Do not fear, only believe.”

At Jairus’ home the powers that defy God once again gathered; the people laughed at Jesus when he claimed the girl was not dead. As it was with the Gerasenes, they didn’t recognize the power of Christ. A few moments later, they were amazed. With a simple touch of his hand, Jesus called the girl from death to life. The strength of her father’s faith was restored and Jesus is identified as the one who has power, even over death and the grave.

As we continue along our earthly journey, fear and faith seem to walk alongside. There are so many instances when fear takes hold, illness, loneliness, grief and loss. In all of these we reach out in faith to Christ for help, yet sometimes we experience what we perceive to be interruptions along the path to healing and wholeness. Jesus says. “Do not fear, only believe.” Even as we do not always understand the issues we face, we cannot forget that God is active in the lives of his people. Worldly powers may attempt to control our lives, but they are no match for the power of God’s love. In the end, it is Christ who calls us from death to life. By no other power are people able to be saved.

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Facing Demons

Posted on August 15, 2014 by David Nuottila

chainMark 5: 1-20

It seems the disciples just can’t catch a break when it comes to traveling with Jesus. Following a chaotic night sailing through a violent storm, they finally reach their destination only to be confronted by a man possessed by demons. This man lived in the cemetery because he was not welcome in his town. The strength of his demons was such that he could not be restrained, so he was left to live alone running among the graves. Alone that is, until he encountered Jesus.

We can’t forget that Jesus and the twelve had crossed over into Gentile territory. They were the strangers; they were not among those who even followed their laws. It is early in Jesus’ ministry, so it is probable that no one in this land had heard about him yet. But look closely; the demon recognized him, knew his power and fell at his feet. Such is the power of God’s mercy in a world turned in on itself. Jesus has the power to free people from the grips of their demons.

In our world today, few actually believe in the demon possessed. Seldom do we hear accounts of individuals being harassed and tormented by demonic powers that have seized control of their lives. In actuality, this could not be farther from the truth. The powers of evil manifest themselves in so many ways. Satan’s demonic helpers are more than capable of taking control of someone’s and throwing it and their family’s life in the same chaotic state as the seas the twelve crossed in order to get to the land of the Gerasenes. Fear, anxiety and panic are all a part of such a life. Jesus, however, has the power to rid people of such demons.

As we read out text, notice how the demons recognize the power of Christ. “What have you to do with me Jesus, Son of the most high God?” The power of Christ is such that as we call upon his name we are strengthened to face the demons in our lives because we know we do not face the alone. Jesus is with us and he shows us in this text how to gain power over the powers that lead us astray. Call your demon by name.

The first step of expelling that which leads you away from God is to name the demon. Alcoholism, drug addiction, and abuse are all examples, but they are far from the only ones. Identifying that which is exercising power over you is the first step to gaining control. Once the demon is identified, call upon Christ, fall at his feet asking for his mercy and grace. Surround yourself with the people of God whose faith and strength will help carry you through. Most of all, do not feel as if you have been abandoned. Just as the demons in the world are many, so too are the people of God.

The newly cured man hoped he could go with Jesus back to the other side of the lake. Jesus, however, had other plans for him. “Go home…tell your friends how much the Lord has done for you.” The gift of God’s grace is too good to keep to one’s self’ it must be shared. As we tell others, of course some will doubt, but the proof is there before them. Others will see the difference God’s grace makes; they will also believe. Be thankful for all that God has done and continues to do. Go in joy and peace and proclaim the goodness of God, for Christ is with you.

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Jesus Calms the Storm

Posted on August 14, 2014 by David Nuottila

Jesus cals stormMark 4: 35-41

In ancient times there was a common fear of the sea. Those who made their living on the waters were especially fearful of the stormy seas at night. Dark water represented the unknown. Dark stormy waters meant chaos. When Jesus had the disciples set out on the Sea of Galilee at night, he had them do something out of the ordinary; set out on the sea at night in order to cross the deep dark water to the other side.

In the midst of their journey, a violent storm blew up. Suddenly, the disciples found themselves in a very bad situation, sailing upon a dark stormy sea surrounded by chaos. It is little wonder they became terrified. Worse yet, as the storm was raging and the waves beat against their small boat, Jesus was asleep in the stern. Certainly, if we found ourselves there in the boat with the twelve our reaction might be the same as theirs. “How can you sleep? Don’t you care that we are about to die?” Imagine saying something to that effect to Jesus, “don’t you care?” But if you think about it, in so many words or less we have all asked this question of God at some point in our life.

We all have our own storms; we all experience our own version of chaos. When things seem uncertain because of sickness, job loss, divorce or the death of a loved one, everything is different. Suddenly we become fearful of the unknown. Chaos raises its ugly head. Our earthly journey is often interrupted by sudden squalls welling up from out of the darkness. It isn’t long before we encounter the wind and waves.

Sudden life changes brought about by trouble and fear are real storms in the lives of real people. Each one brings with it a measure of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. When things are well, the waters of our lives are just as beautiful as the waters of the oceans, just as inviting as the waters of cool mountain streams. Yet they remain as deep and dark as the broken world within which we live. Sometimes, we get lost in the chaos. Sometimes we are so agitated we begin to question God and his motives. Why me God? Why now? Don’t you care? We all face such storms. We all experience chaos in our lives. Even in our darkest hours, we dare call out to God wondering if he is indeed listening. It is in these instances we must rely on our faith, looking to Christ Jesus and realizing he is God.

Jesus is the author of all life. He is the one who is, was and will be. Jesus is the Messiah who saves God’s people from sin, the one who takes his followers into his loving embrace and promises eternal life to all who believe. Yes, when overcome by fear, we may experience times of doubt. We may wonder if Jesus really cares about our life and whether we live or die. Yet, forever and always Jesus is the one who has power to face the wind and waves of our struggle and say “Peace, be still; know that I am God.”

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