The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1919-10-24

GOLDEN TEXT believe; help thou
mine uneblief-Mark 9:24
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Mark b:2z-
"a; S5-43; Luke 1888.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Help in the storm,
JUNIOR TOPIC-Jesus comes to the
help of his disciples.
INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-Help when
most needed.
SENIOR AND ADULT ToP1c-Aa
ever-present helper.
The storm tossed disciples on the
sea at night is an example OF the
struggling followers of the Lord In the
darkness of the present age, as they
are tossed by the tempests OF the evil
one.
I. The Disciples on the Storm-tossed
Sea (vv. 22-24).
1. They were sent across the sea by
Christ ". 22). Doubtless his reason
for this was to keep them from en-
tanglement in the movements OF the
people to make him king, for in John
6:14, Is it is shown that the people
were so excited by the feeding OF the
Eve thousand that they were about to
make him king by force. Though they
were somewhat unwilling to go, 1t was
a mercy for him to constrain them.
2. Christ dismissed the multitude
". 22). This may be taken as typical
Of his rejection Of the nation whose
rulers had already rejected him.
8. Christ praying alone in the noun
tain ". 29). Temptation to earthly
honor and power had come to him.
therefore he went to the Father In
prayer for relief and strength. The
need of prayer is greatest at such
times. While his prayer was in part
for himself, yet 1t was for his disciples.
According to Mark 6 :4S, he saw from
the mountain top the disciples toiling
on the storm-tOssed sea. We are new
er out Of his sight as we struggle
against the storms of life, and he ever
lives to make intercession for us.
u. Jesus Walking on the Sea wv.
1921.
1. It was in the fourth watch OF the
night ". 25). He did not come to
them Immediately. but waited till al
most dawn. 1t was, however. the
darkest part of the night, and physi-
ca, danger was great, but their per-
plexity Of mind was greater. They
knew that the Lord had sent them, but
why should they be in such straits If
he sent them? A stormy sea Is no
evidence that we are not IN the Lords
appointed way. The disciples concern
should be to obey the commands OF
the Lord, being assured that while do
ing his will he will protect them.
2. The disciples alarmed at his COM
ing ". 26). 1t was the coming of
their best friend to deliver them from
danger. He comes to us today In such
ways that sometimes we are affrlghted.
8. Jesus words OF comfort and good
cheer ". 27). In the midst Of their
distress they heard the Masters words,
"Be Of good cheer; 1t is /, be not
afraid" This changed their fear into
Joy.
III. Peters Venture and Failure
wv. 1888.
AS soon as Peter recognized the
voice Of Jesus he cried, IBID me come
to thee on the water" Jesus said.
"Come." Peter obeyed, and for time
he walked upon the waves without
sinking. His simple faith linked him
with divine power and he was upheld;
but as soon as he took his eyes of
his Lord and considered the raging sea
he began to sink. If we will but keep
our eyes on the Lord instead of the
waves we can outride the storms of life.
When Peter began to sink, he did the
sensible thing; he cried to the Lord for
help. Jesus reached forth his hand and
saved him. He has never lost one who
honestly cried for help. When Jesus
entered the ship the wind ceased. The
people worshiped him as the Son of
God. No ship can go down with Jesus
on hoard