July 25, 2021 Text: Mark 6:45-56
Dear Friends in Christ,
Have you ever had your back up against the wall? You have that conversation with yourself that is straight out of a black and white war movie or sports movie. “Men, we are surrounded. We have our backs against the wall but we are not going down without a fight. Who is with me? All right, let’s go!” Except in your conversation you stand there terrified. “Cancer? It can’t be?” “He wants a divorce?” “What did you just tell me about my child?” “You can’t let me go, I need this job.”
We are with the disciples this morning and they too have their backs against the wall. What can be done? Will it be an inspiring speech or will we see some action?
“WHEN YOUR BACK IS AGAINST THE WALL”
Let’s get going. “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.” (v. 45-47)
Thousands of people had just been fed and they were satisfied. This caused them to run after Jesus because they wanted more. They wanted to make Jesus an earthly king so the Lord and his disciples had to get going.
Jesus goes to pray. These 12 men board their own charter. We are the disciples as we scatter into our own boat or boats. Where’s Jesus? Here and there. Or we give the standard Lutheran answer – “He is in the Word and Sacraments.” Good job. Come on up, I will put a star on your paper. You are correct. But what about times of sorrow? What about those times are backs are against the wall? Is the Lord there? Does He care what is happening to me? And if He does, why is He taking so long?
Listen to David in Psalm 69: “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” (v. 1-3)
“Waters have come up to my neck.” Ever have something flooding your life? Your home or church the last few weeks? Stress, conflict, upheaval and no foothold. No foundation. Nothing of certainty. Have you been there…at least momentarily?
As the Lord’s people we cry for help all the time. If we believe that Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world, then neither is ours. Our ultimate Kingdom is with Him in heaven. Entering into eternal life takes us from our troubles. He finds a way out for us. He moves through “our backs against the wall” moments and He provides the strength.
Let’s recall Joseph from the Old Testament this morning. Siblings who thought it would be fun to sell him into slavery. Then Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him of sexual harassment and he ends up in prison. His back was against four walls as he is left to die. And God allowed it to happen. But the Lord intervenes and as fast as you can say, “Interpret my dreams” Joseph becomes 2nd in command to the King of Egypt.
Do you recall the words Joseph spoke to his brother’s years later? These same neophytes who wanted him dead. “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life?” (Gen. 45:4-5)
Where is God sending you? Do you need to forgive a sibling who got the tea set mom promised you? Is there someone who put you against a wall, but they repented, and you need to release them? God has a design. We get into a boat – a situation – and we need the Lord. He delivers. He works it for His purpose. He works all things to the good. He does all of this to draw us to Christ and everlasting salvation.
“He saw they were that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them…He immediately spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.” (v. 48, 50)
Here is our Lord again. In the midst of our storms. Like our church sign says, “Need a lifeguard? Jesus, our Savior, walks on water.” Christ’s forgiving love is always there for us.
Do you see him when your back is against the wall? Or is our faith so confused that we think He ought to put us on easy street? Keep us from problems? Never let wind or wave bother us? Always hear, “you are in perfect health.” That we will never have to be put in a position of having to declare to those who hate Jesus, “I believe?”
How do we understand it . . . when our backs are against the wall?
Amen.