Praying with Rembrandt's "Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee"
Where is God when the storm is raging? Through scripture, prayer, and Rembrandt’s powerful painting of Jesus calming the sea, this session invites you to find divine presence in life’s chaos. Step into the boat—and listen for peace in the midst of the winds.
Mark 4:35-41
The session aims to explore the theme of perceiving God's presence during life's storms. The pastor highlights how we often recognize God's action during peaceful times but struggle to see it during chaotic moments.
Pastor Rob recalls a sermon he wrote in 2005 on Psalm 90, which reflects on suffering and the plea for divine intervention. He mentions significant global tragedies that occurred in 2005, such as tsunamis, droughts, and hurricanes, expressing a feeling of despair and questioning God's compassion. Despite the turmoil, the pastor emphasizes that scripture reassures us of God's unwavering love and presence.
The focus shifts to the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus and his disciples face a storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee. Pastor Rob invites participants to imagine being in the boat with the disciples, encouraging them to reflect on their feelings and insights during the reading. The narrative describes Jesus asleep in the boat while the disciples panic as a storm swamps their vessel.
The pastor transitions to discussing Rembrandt's painting, emphasizing the dramatic light and dark contrasts that depict the storm's chaos and Jesus's calmness. He encourages viewers to observe the painting closely, noting how the turbulent left side contrasts with the stillness surrounding Jesus on the right. The painting captures the disciples' frantic struggle against the storm, while Jesus remains peacefully asleep, symbolizing trust in God amidst turmoil.
Participants are prompted to reflect on their own life storms and consider where they perceive Jesus in their struggles. Questions are posed about personal fears and how God might be communicating during these challenging times. The pastor encourages an open dialogue with God about individual storms, fostering a deeper connection through contemplation.
Pastor Rob concludes the session by inviting participants to maintain a conversation with God beyond the prayer time. He hopes that the experience has provided peace and perspective amid life's challenges.
