October 7, 2007

Surprised by God’s Word

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Mark 4:35-41

North Korea finally agrees to declare and dismantle nuclear program. To be completed by the end of this year. It will cost us 1 million tons of fuel oil.

Surprised by the words of Kim Jong Il – we used to refer to North Korea as a part of the axis of evil.

We are often surprised by things we see that we didn’t expect. Christians surprised by God’s continued action in the world.

In Mark - Jesus’ disciples constantly surprised by what he does. Heals sick, casts out demons, teaches large crowds.

Irony is that they should not be surprised. Jesus does what the Messiah should do.

Story of Jesus calming the storm.

Disciples surprised that Jesus can command storms to stop. They shouldn’t be. They should have expected God to save the Messiah.

Before we condemn them, we should remember it’s OK to be surprised by God’s word. In this case, God’s word is what God does.

It was OK to be surprised:

At the feeding of the 500

women at the tomb - the stone was rolled away.

When the Holy Spirit filled the church on Pentecost

When God preserved the church through the persecutions of the Romans

When the Bible was translated into vernacular

When Luther said people should read the Bible themselves and struggle with their own faith

When Baptists started their own churches and laypeople began to have a say in the mission of the church.

We were surprised when:

People were free to practice whatever religions they wanted.

Baptists of all different races and cultures began fellowshipping with one another.

God blessed the efforts of Christians to demand civil rights.

God blessed the efforts of missionaries around the world.

Our congregation was surprised when:

God provided renters after head start left

God blessed our efforts to restart out Hispanic ministry

People from our congregation began feeling a call to ministry

Our band was invited to play at the denomination’s 100th birthday party

A number of parents began considering this congregation to be a great place to raise their children.

A new sense of hope for the future was infused into a congregation that feared its own demise.

But we shouldn’t have been. Just as Jesus told his disciples they should have known things would be OK, God still says to us, Peace, be still. Have faith. Jesus is at the stern, even when the storms of life kick up and the waves being to fill the boat and we see no hope.


Today we are still surprised by God’s work in the world and in our lives.

Roberto and Nehemias – had little hope for the offering. They were surprised when I told them we’ll be donating $2000 to help renovate the church. And I was surprised when they told me the pastor was going to come to this church in November so that we can personally give him the check.

The mission committee has challenged the congregation to raise $1200 toward missions all around the world.

Mission causes are good ones – the committee will acquaint us with various mission efforts around the world.

I look forward to being surprised. I expect to be surprised.

Prepare to be surprised, even if you shouldn’t be.