We all know the story of Jesus walking on the water, Peter getting out of the boat and sinking fast. I read the story again this morning and was reminded of a truth I already knew but needed to hear again.
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. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." ~ Matt. 14.28-33
First, and foremost, this passage shows that Jesus is, in fact, God. He has authority and control over creation. He is more than just a healer, prophet, miracle worker, etc. Jesus is God Incarnate. The Lord had some other things he wanted to remind of through this passage as well...
I was first reminded how easily I forget God has complete control and authority over EVERYTHING. He not only has control of all creation, but he is also in control of EVERY circumstance in my life. Like Peter, I often start out putting full trust in the Lord with a certain situation and step out confidently, eyes fixed on him. I pray with confidence, trusting the Lord's plan and care for my life. Then I notice all that is going on around me. I begin to worry and my prayers become anxious ramblings before the Lord. I may even avoid time in the Word altogether, because I have to 'fix' whatever problem I am facing. I let my fear and uncertainty overwhelm my trust. I begin to sink....
Jesus immediately reached out his hand...
The Lord then reminded me that he is faithful when I am not. Though I may remove my gaze from him momentarily, when I call to him he WILL answer.
When the tempest of life rages all around me, I MUST set my eyes on Lord, the Sovereign God of the universe. If it seems as though the winds will overtake me, that is when my gaze MUST remain steadfast on him.
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. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." ~ Matt. 14.28-33
First, and foremost, this passage shows that Jesus is, in fact, God. He has authority and control over creation. He is more than just a healer, prophet, miracle worker, etc. Jesus is God Incarnate. The Lord had some other things he wanted to remind of through this passage as well...
I was first reminded how easily I forget God has complete control and authority over EVERYTHING. He not only has control of all creation, but he is also in control of EVERY circumstance in my life. Like Peter, I often start out putting full trust in the Lord with a certain situation and step out confidently, eyes fixed on him. I pray with confidence, trusting the Lord's plan and care for my life. Then I notice all that is going on around me. I begin to worry and my prayers become anxious ramblings before the Lord. I may even avoid time in the Word altogether, because I have to 'fix' whatever problem I am facing. I let my fear and uncertainty overwhelm my trust. I begin to sink....
Jesus immediately reached out his hand...
The Lord then reminded me that he is faithful when I am not. Though I may remove my gaze from him momentarily, when I call to him he WILL answer.
When the tempest of life rages all around me, I MUST set my eyes on Lord, the Sovereign God of the universe. If it seems as though the winds will overtake me, that is when my gaze MUST remain steadfast on him.
No comments:
Post a Comment