Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – 24 June 2018 The Mission and Discipleship Council would like to thank the Very Rev Dr Russell Barr, Minister of Edinburgh Cramond Church, for his thoughts on the fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Please note that the views expressed in these materials are those of the individual writer and not necessarily the official view of the Church of Scotland, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly.

Introduction ................................................................................................... 2

1 Samuel 17:1a, 32-49 .................................................................................... 2

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 ...................................................................................... 3

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 ....................................................................................... 3

Mark 4:35-41 ................................................................................................. 4

Sermon ideas ................................................................................................. 5

Time with children ......................................................................................... 6

Prayers .......................................................................................................... 6

Musical suggestions ...................................................................................... 10

Introduction The dramatic account of Jesus calming not only the storm but also the fears of his disciples is one that awakens an immediate and sympathetic response. Given the many ‘storms’ in which people can find themselves, and the ‘fears’ these storms awaken, and given the environmental, political and social ‘storms’ confronting us nationally and globally, the notes for this Sunday are going to concentrate on the Mark’s gospel passage. In her commentary on the passage, Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm (Preaching the Gospel of Mark: Proclaiming the Power of God, Westminster John Knox Press, 2008) notes the incident occurred on the same day Jesus had been preaching and teaching. As the day ends, Wilhelm draws attention to the way the disciples have struggled to understand the full extent of Jesus’ authority and power over the wind and the waves just as much as they have struggled to understand the meaning of his parables. Wilhelm also notes that the account of the storm at sea weaves together a number of the important theological themes in Mark’s gospel. For example, in directing his disciples to ‘go over to the other side’, that is, from Jewish to Gentile territory, Mark’s Jesus is someone who embodies God’s care and concern for all people. As the narrative unfolds we are confronted with a Jesus who will not be constrained by human boundaries, categories and divisions. If the fearful response of the disciples resonates with the various other gospel passages where Jesus tells people not to be afraid, the closing question – who is this then that even the wind and waves obey him? – is central to Mark’s gospel.

1 Samuel 17:1a, 32-49 The narrator has already told us that the ‘the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul’ and another confrontation with the Philistines provides a quick and clear illustration of what that meant. Although Saul now had his own army to confront the invading Philistines, an unexpected and frightening development threw Saul’s battle plans into chaos. While single or representative combat is unfamiliar to today’s armed forces, in ancient times warfare followed various codes of convention and ignoring or declining Goliath’s challenge would have been utterly humiliating for Saul. The narrator is not concerned to ask why no Israelite soldier volunteered to challenge Goliath and focuses instead on the terrified Saul. Rather he wants his readers to see how the practical loss of the ‘Spirit of the Lord´ becomes evident as it leads to the loss of Saul’s

courage and leadership. Evidently God’s presence and God’s spirit were vital not just to Saul’s well-being but to the nation’s welfare. The account of David confronting Goliath is familiar and, beyond the account of the fall of Saul and the rise of David, it also introduces us to the shepherd boy who, faced with seemingly impossible odds, put his whole trust in the God of Israel and emerged victorious. David’s faith stands in sharp contrast to the disciples who, in the grip of the storm, are rebuked for their lack of faith.

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 Biblical scholars suggest that as well as reprising some of the main themes from the previous two psalms, Psalm 107 begins a new section of the Psalter and probably comes from the post-exilic period when Israel had returned home following her long exile in Babylon. The Psalmist invites the worshippers to give thanks for the Lord’s enduring goodness and love, made evident in the gathering together once again of the people who had been scattered to the north, east, south and west. Had the gathering together and the journey home been easy? No, it had not and what follows are a series of word pictures in which the Psalmist describes some of the struggles people had endured in order to return home. Among the returning exiles were those who had become merchants. The dangers they faced were different from those who crossed the desert. The Psalmist describes how God waited until they were frightened and at their wits’ end; it is then that they realise their need of God, and having cried to the Lord in their trouble, God hears their cry and rescues them from their distress. With the storm stilled and the sailors brought to a safe harbour, the passage ends with them going to the Temple to worship and praise God. The connection with the experience of the disciples in the gospel passage is obvious.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 The theme of storm, struggle and hardship is continued in what is surely one of the most memorable passages in Paul’s correspondence, as the Apostle gives us an insight into some of the troubles he has endured. If Paul’s main concern is to be an ambassador for Christ, it is clear the role is not without its challenges and far from a life of privilege and safety, Paul’s journey of faith and life in the service of Christ has included considerable risk and difficulty.

As well as the obvious hardships of shipwreck, imprisonment and flogging, Paul also describes the hard work, sleepless nights and hunger he has experienced and hints at the internal conflicts of doubt and sorrow, which are all part of the Christian life and experience. Although there were times when danger was his constant companion, and the prospect of death ever present, Paul’s faith in the ultimate victory of God’s goodness, purpose and love was never broken. It might appear Paul had nothing and yet with his faith in Christ, Paul had everything that mattered to him in this world and the next.

Mark 4:35-41 Chapter 4 begins with Jesus teaching a great crowd by the lakeside and such is the crush he commandeers a boat and addresses people as they gather at the water’s edge. The boat which has served as Jesus’ platform during the day is now used to take him and his disciples to the other shore. Quite where they have been and where they end up is not made clear and Mark is content to report that their destination is the other side. A violent storm threatens their journey and the disciples fear the boat is about to be overwhelmed. Jesus’ sleeping appears to the disciples to be a sign of his indifference to their fate (and it offers a sharp contrast to their failing to stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane). Having awakened, Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea and does so in the same way that he will rebuke and drive out the demon in the following incident. As we have seen in the story of creation, the Exodus narrative, or in Psalm 107, divine power over the forces of nature is not new to Biblical tradition and the image of water as a source of chaos is repeated at several points. Indeed one of the most notable aspects of St John the Divine’s great revelation of a new heaven and a new earth is that there will no longer be any sea. In other words, as he draws upon familiar Biblical imagery to indicate God’s power over the forces of nature, Mark presents the stilling of the storm as another example of Jesus’ divine power and authority.

The disciples are awestruck, even the wind and the waves obey him. However, it is evident from Jesus’ questioning of their faith that it is not yet fully formed. The disciples are on a journey of discovery and it is evident they have not yet grasped who Jesus is, the purpose of his ministry and mission, and what they can expect of him.

Sermon ideas As is evident, there are many themes emerging from this dramatic incident. Pastoral: The fear of the disciples being caught up in something beyond their control could be explored in relation to some of the pastoral concerns evident in the people of every congregation – living with cancer, growing old and frail – and the promise of the gospel that in Jesus’ presence people find healing and wholeness as their fears are calmed. Symbolic: The story of the storm at sea could provide a powerful image of what it means to be the church today and what discipleship can look and feel like as we seek to live out our faith in and through all the opportunities and challenges of contemporary life. Theological: The command to go to the other side speaks of Jesus’ boundary-breaking ministry throughout the gospel and could provide a rich source of insight into some of the social challenges around homelessness, refugees and benefit hardship, which many in our congregations are experiencing. Miracles: The story provides an opportunity to discuss miracles. While there are many who believe God intervenes in the events of human experience and human history, interrupting the laws of nature or bringing about healing, there are others who don’t believe God acts in such a way. The story of Jesus calming the storm speaks to both, that is, it reflects the messy mixture of fear and resolve, human anxiety and divine promise that is at the heart of the gospel. Evidently, God’s power is at loose in the world and as the passage finishes with the question about Jesus’ identity, it raises the extent to which Jesus’ promises can be trusted. When will the first disciples learn to put their trust and faith in the one who can calm the wind and the waves? And when too will we learn?

Time with children When speaking to children I find it helpful to draw upon local events, buildings or activities. With Cramond Island being part of my parish, the South Queensferry Life-boat station lends itself, being one of the busiest in the UK. Many of its calls are to rescue walkers who find themselves trapped on the island by the incoming tide (and this despite the many warning signs and tide times on noticeboards at the start of the causeway). If you live near the sea or a river, could that provide you with the inspiration you need for a children’s address? If not, then perhaps a little research into the activities of the Seaman’s Mission or the British Sailor’s Society will provide you with helpful stories and information that would fit in with the theme of the gospel reading.

Prayers Approach God and Lord of all, whose wisdom created the heavens and whose love fashioned the body and soul of every living thing. Humbly, reverently we bow before You, for You are the source of all goodness and truth. Gathered now, a people of Christ’s church, we come here to think about life. Our own life, the life of the world around us. Its meaning, its purpose, its end and to reflect on the mystery of all things interwoven with Your life. We come searching for the root of the world’s peace, for the courage that will help us face each day and for the truth that will set us free.

We thank You for the great network of people beside whom we live and work – family and friends, neighbours and colleagues, who share life’s journey and help us along life’s way. We bless You for those women and men whose acts of care and kindness, whose understanding and insight has awakened our faith and brought us into the life of the church. Receive our worship we pray, draw us into the hidden love at the heart of all things, but most wonderfully seen in the face of our Lord Christ. Confession and forgiveness Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy upon us. For in company of one another and in the sanctuary of Your presence, we know that You have examined us and found us wanting. We wait upon You in silence and in sorrow, mindful of things said and done which we now regret. Aware of opportunities missed and conscious that we too have contributed to the world’s sorrow and pain. As we pray to be forgiven, teach us also to forgive and lead us in the way everlasting of our Saviour Christ. May the God of love and mercy forgive you and set you free from all your sin. Jesus said, arise, go in peace, your faith has made you whole. Collect O God our defender, when storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid, rescue Your people from despair, deliver Your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Thanksgiving Father of all, awaken us to joy in the mystery of Your presence at the heart of all things. For day by day You hold us in love. Saviour of all, call us to holiness, to all that is beautiful and good and true. For day by day You walk with us along life’s road. Spirit of all, let us feel Your breeze upon our face. For day by day You are within us and around. Prompting, comforting, challenging, inspiring, leading us in the ways of God. Ever present God, in whom we are richly blessed, teach us to use Your gifts with gladness and care. Bless us with kind hearts and caring eyes to notice the lost and the least and lead us to live bravely in the way of Christ and His cross. Intercession God of surprising grace, in our weakness You are our strength, in our darkness light, in our sorrows You are our comfort and peace and from everlasting to everlasting You are our God. As we bless You for the life of this congregation, our life together in the church, we pray for the health and well-being of the church worldwide and all the variety of its worship and witness. Let Your church give heart and voice to Your continuing concern for people afraid and in need.

As civil war continues to rage in many places and desperate people risk life and limb in the Mediterranean Sea, look with mercy on those who are fleeing from danger, frightened and far from home. Inspire compassion and generosity in all our hearts. Bless those who work to provide rescue and shelter and those who seek just ways of bringing the exodus in human misery to an end. We pray for our own nation, that in all the opportunities and challenges of these days we will be free from the inequalities and divisions that threaten to impoverish our common life. As in Christ’s presence people found healing and calm, we pray for those left feeling betrayed or left behind, whose hearts are filled with anger. People who face days of illness and treatment, or whose earthly life draws to its close, all who long for comfort and peace in the storms of their life. For the new way of life You have set before us in Christ. For Your truth to inspire us and Your love to sustain us. For the dawning of Your kingdom and all who work towards its fulfillment, we bless You and give You our thanks. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now and shall be for evermore. Amen

Musical suggestions

• CH4 36 ¬– “God is our refuge and our strength”

• CH4 192 – “All my hope on God is founded”

• CH4 251 – “I, the Lord of sea and sky”

• CH4 253 – “Inspired by love and anger”

• CH4 348 – “Praise the One who breaks the darkness”

• CH4 469 – “Son of God, eternal Saviour”

• CH4 509 – “Jesus calls us! O’er the tumult”

• CH4 570 – “When the storms of life are raging, stand by me”

• CH4 737 – “Will your anchor hold?”