Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
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From a sermon by Preacher Clark at Grandma’s house on December 21, 1969
Taken from Gary’s CD-30b, Track 2
Where is Jesus in your life? When the disciples were in their boat and were caught in a storm at sea, Jesus was below deck, asleep in the ship. The disciples couldn’t see him. They could see the wind and waves, but they couldn’t see Jesus. So, they did the right thing; they went down and woke him up. When he came up on deck, Jesus rebuked the winds, and the disciples no longer saw the raging storm; they saw Jesus.
Preacher Clark told the folks gathered in Grandma’s farmhouse that day, to say “Get thee behind me!” to every evil thing, not just the Devil. He told them that Jesus did not see the storm; they did. But why the difference? It was because he was resting in faith while they were worrying about what they could see. Whenever you see sickness, trouble, disaster, or anything else that would bring some turmoil into your life, the Preacher said, it is only because Jesus is below deck in your heart. Wake him up and call on his name! Get him up on deck, out there where you can look at him instead of the storm, and you, too, will see the storm subside, and you will begin again to feel peace, just as the disciples did.
It doesn’t matter where we are; it’s where Jesus is that matters. Where is Jesus now, in our hearts? If he is up on deck, we have a peaceful ride. If he is below deck, we will see the troubles that oppose us as we struggle toward the shore. If you are seeing any trouble in your life now, please know that Jesus does not mind being awakened to help us. It is “the Father’s good pleasure” to give us His kingdom, and it is Jesus’ good pleasure to help us make our way to that kingdom safely. “Call upon me in the day of trouble”, the Lord said through David, “and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). Amen!