I wonder if Peter really expected Jesus to call him out of the boat?
In Matthew 14 we read a story of Jesus walking on the water. His disciples were in a boat and while it was still dark, Jesus went out to meet them – walking on top of the water. I tend to picture the scene by thinking Jesus would have been content to keep on walking, but the disciples saw him and got scared. Since it was still dark – and of course since there was a man standing on top of the water – they assumed he was a ghost.
But Peter finally recognized Jesus. Still a little unsure of himself he said, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come out on the water.” That makes sense. Peter is trying to make sure that he is right – that this really is Jesus. But I am not sure he expected Jesus to say, “Come.”
Have you ever done that? Have you ever asked God to clarify his calling? “God, if this is what you want me to do, show me a sign.” Has that statement, or something similar, ever been part of your prayer?
Peter wanted proof that Jesus was really standing there before him but I am not sure he expected Jesus to say, “come on in, the water is fine.”
Here’s the thing. Jesus really is with us – walking with us. And Jesus really does call us to do things that may seem impossible to us. But just like Peter, as long as we trust him fully and keep our eyes on him only, he will do amazing things through us.
How is Jesus calling you today?
Answer that call and step out.
also says that we were created for good works in the same passage. This faith we have should be turned loose on the world.
God promises to be with us through all that life hurls our way – why? Isaiah records the words of God saying, “Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”
God is with us each and every day. Jesus’ promise is dependable – he will never leave us nor forsake us. But so often, we live our lives unaware. We pass through our days marking time but oblivious to God’s presence and interaction in our lives.
Then we gathered out on the island in the afternoon to celebrate baptism. We celebrated with 16 people who had made commitments to follow Jesus and were baptized in the surf on that evening. It was a glorious time of testimony. Many of our church family gathered to celebrate and of course, the regular beach goers were there too.
Yesterday, I awoke to discover we had been burglarized – always a great way to start a Monday (or any other day for that matter). Somehow, our garage door was opened and the burglars made off with some fishing gear and two sets of golf clubs (they really knew how to hurt a guy).
The description of Jesus’ approach should not be glossed over. The text says Jesus was “angry” and “deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts.” I have not been able to shake that sentence in 3:5. What I see here is that stubborn, unwilling hearts do not please Jesus. Now it is easy to look at the description of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees and cast judgement – to look down on them as ignorant and think to ourselves, “How could they have been so blind!” But before we rush to judgement, how pliable are our hearts?
We talk a lot about praising God. In any given church around the world on the weekends, you most likely will encounter an effort to praise God.
Clay in the Hands 