Ivan Aivazovsky [Public domain]
Peter Walks on Water by Ivan Aivazovsky
Matthew 14:22-33
In three of the four Gospel accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus the story of Peter walking on water is recorded. (Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21) The exact words of Jesus as He approaches are: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” The disciples are packed into a row boat crossing the Sea of Galilee and it is stormy and according to some scholars, Jews are afraid of the water. Water is associated with Jonah”s man swallowing fish, floods,and the Red Sea opening and having to walk through it. Water, in Scripture, is never associated with, “All is right with the world.” Then, here comes Jesus strolling on stormy seas like it is a sunny day in the park and telling them to “fret not!” Not to mention, it was Jesus who knowingly sent them into the storm! Can you relate to the angst of this band of young men?
Storms come in many forms. Firestorms burn through entire communities and leave thousands homeless. Hurricanes blow in off the sea and bring total devastation. Tornadoes whip through under cover of rain sweeping Dorothy and Toto into Oz which is pretty scary. Tsunamis build and wash ashore pushing everything in its path into a wall of death, destruction, disease, and sweeping survivors into the current of despair.
Peter responds with guts and then sinks in less than glory. He at least got out of the boat. Yes, his faith faltered. Yes, he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the storm’s fury. Yes, he began to sink. But “do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear?” When Peter was in trouble WHO did he call out too? It wasn’t his compadres in the boat! How quickly did Jesus respond?
If you know the story you have all the answers just like I do. So, what is the lesson?
I must learn to keep my focus on Jesus despite the fury of the storm. It is difficult! It is a challenge every minute. It is absolutely vital if I am to walk on water. Give Peter props: He got out of the boat and there was no way to walk on water inside the safety of the boat. He had to have the courage to climb out and step into the wet, cold water of uncertainty. All he had was Jesus saying, “Come.”
As the new year begins, we are all being asked to do a new thing. We are afraid of the challenges because we have no frame of reference! Fear and anxiety are caused by the lies we believe about the dangers ahead.
Jesus’ only question to Peter was, “Why did you doubt?” Peter had NO RESPONSE. Neither do I. I don’t know why I doubt. Jesus has always been faithful! He has never let me down! He has always rescued me just as He did Peter! He always calms the storms! I always make it to the other side!
New Year’s resolution: Do not doubt. Have faith. Just because I have never done it before is not a license to doubt. I must rely on my previous experience with Christ. Then, I can do nothing but TRUST and OBEY!
Casting Crowns Only Jesus
Treading in deep water,
