To Yonder Side
The sermon emphasizes the peace and safety found in Jesus amidst life's storms and the journey of faith towards salvation.
Robert Murray M'Cheyne's sermon 'To Yonder Side' reflects on the journey of faith as depicted in Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee. M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus during life's tempests, illustrating how the Savior's presence brings peace amidst chaos. He draws parallels between the disciples' fear and the struggles of believers today, reminding them that Jesus calls them to the other side, a place of rest and assurance. The sermon encourages listeners to lean on Christ, who offers calm in the storms of life and reassures them of His constant care. Ultimately, M'Cheyne invites the congregation to embrace faith and find solace in Jesus' promise of peace.
Text
Luke viii. 22-25.
Behind the hills of Naphtali
The sun went slowly down,
Leaving on mountain, tower, and tree,
A tinge of golden brown.
The cooling breath of evening woke
The waves of Galilee,
Till on the shore the waters broke
In softest melody.
"Now launch the bark," the Saviour cried,
The chosen twelve stood by,
"And let us cross to yonder side,
Where the hills are steep and high."
Gently the bark o'er the water creeps,
While the swelling sail they spread,
And the wearied Saviour gently sleeps
With a pillow 'neath His head.
On downy bed the world seeks rest -
Sleep flies the guilty eye -
But he who leans on the Father's breast
May sleep when storms are nigh.
But soon the lowering sky grew dark
O'er Bashan's rocky brow -
The storm rushed down upon the bark,
And waves dashed o'er the prow.
The pale disciples trembling spake,
While yawned the watery grave,
"We perish, Master - Master, wake -
Carest Thou not to save?"
Calmly He rose with sovereign will,
And hushed the storm to rest.
"Ye waves," He whispered, "Peace! be still!"
They calmed like a pardoned breast.
So have I seen a fearful storm
O'er wakened sinner roll,
Till Jesus' voice and Jesus' form
Said, "Peace, thou weary soul."
And now He bends His gentle eye
His wondering followers o'er,
"Why raise this unbelieving cry?"
I said, "To yonder shore."
When first the Saviour wakened me,
And showed me why He died,
He pointed o'er life's narrow sea,
And said, "To yonder Side."
"I am the ark where Noah dwelt,
And heard the deluge roar -
No soul can perish that has felt
My rest - To yonder shore."
Peaceful and calm the tide of life
When first I sailed with Thee -
My sins forgiven - no inward strife -
My breast a glassy sea.
But soon the storm of passion raves -
My soul is tempest tossed -
Corruptions rise, like angry waves,
"Help, Master, I am lost!"
"Peace! peace! be still thou raging breast,
My fulness is for thee" -
The Saviour speaks, and all is rest,
Like the waves of Galilee.
And now I feel His holy eye
Upbraids my heart of pride -
"Why raise this unbelieving cry?
I said, To yonder side."
Begun at the Lake of Galilee, 15th July 1839.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the journey across the sea - The calm before the storm - The disciples' fear and cry for help
- II points: - Jesus' authority over nature - The response of the disciples - The significance of faith in storms
- III points: - Personal reflection on spiritual storms - The promise of peace from Christ - The call to trust in Jesus
- IV points: - The metaphor of the ark and safety - The journey to the 'yonder side' - The assurance of salvation
Key Quotes
“Peace! be still thou raging breast, My fulness is for thee.” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
“Why raise this unbelieving cry? I said, To yonder side.” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
“No soul can perish that has felt My rest - To yonder shore.” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus during life's storms to find true peace.
- Recognize that fear can hinder faith, and seek His assurance.
- Embrace the journey of faith as a path to spiritual safety and rest.