WALK ON WATER
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29, ESV
Theme: Seek the opportunity to go beyond your comfort.
EXPECT HIGHS AND LOWS
As a young couple, we were told that marriage was like a roller coaster: highs, lows, thrills, slows, and occasionally, terror. The gentleman laughed and told us that the secret was that no matter what it felt like in the present, it would all circle back around...as long as we didn’t get off the ride. Simplistic, I know, but marriage, life, and even the Christian experience does sometimes seem like a roller coaster!
OUT OF CONTEXT
When we read the story of the storm and how Jesus walked on the water, we often look at Peter’s fear and failure. But in the context of that entire day of ministry, it was a very small part! First, Jesus and His disciples heard about the beheading of John the Baptist. What grief Jesus must have felt at the death of His cousin. John was also the prophet God anointed and sent to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. The disciples were probably also terrified. This persecution and death were way too close for comfort. They had to be wondering if they were next. So, Jesus withdrew with His disciples to grieve, regroup, and hear from God.
But the crowds followed. When the people grew hungry, Jesus tested His disciples: “You give them something to eat.” Jesus, the very “Bread of Life,” blessed the five loaves and two fishes and fed over 5000 men, plus the women and children. And so much was left over that they took up twelve baskets of food after everyone had eaten their fill.
LET ME COME TO YOU
After the tragedy of the beheading, the exhaustion of the crowds, and the miracle of the “Feeding of the five thousand,” Jesus “made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side” while He stayed to pray (Matthew 14:22). Jesus sent them ahead, straight into the testing of the storm. The disparity between the highs and lows of that day was extreme. After what had to be the most amazing miracle they had yet seen, they were now facing death.
Yet when Peter saw Jesus, he had the boldness to say, “Let me come join You.” He basically invited himself into a miracle. Yes, he got scared. Yes, he took his eyes off Jesus. But I am so impressed with his desire to be where God was. I think this so pleases our God!
Make It Personal: God is always moving and working around us. Jesus is here and has given us the authority to do the things He did, and even greater things, with the Spirit’s help. Can you ask Him to give you the boldness to “stick with it” as you go through the ups and down of the Christian life? Can you go further, asking Him to give you the boldness to get out of the boat, and join Him wherever He is working?
Pray: Dear Father, I want to have the faith of Peter, and a willingness to get up and try again when I do fail. Even if I falter, I know You are calling me to greater things and I want to be where You are. Help me, Spirit. In the powerful Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Read: Matthew 14:1-33
Memory Verse of the Week: “And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29, ESV