The evening after Jesus fed the 5000, he told his disciples to get in a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee. I wonder what his followers were thinking that night. Jesus tells them to cross the lake and that he would meet them later… how was he going to get there? And why send them on ahead? Matthew tells us that Jesus remained behind to pray, but it does seem like Jesus had an agenda that night beyond his quiet time. A faith lesson for his friends, perhaps?
Unfortunately for the disciples, a strong wind was blowing against them and forcing them off-course. John tells us they had rowed about 3 miles and were about at the halfway point of their journey, when Jesus decided it was time to join his followers. Using his God-Goggle-Vision, he saw them struggling against the wind in the middle of the lake. As the wind increased, so did the waves. The struggle to cross was becoming desperate – they were doing their best to do what Jesus asked them to do — but they were failing.
So, Jesus steps out on the water. Remember, it was a 3 mile walk to the boat and he wasn’t walking on water that was smooth like glass – there were waves, maybe big ones – in the 3-6 feet range, and there was Jesus, walking up the side of one wave and down the other side. The view from the boat must have been startling for sure because someone, probably Thomas, shouts out – “Look, a ghost!” Who can blame them? There is Jesus popping up on top of a wave and then he disappears in the valley… pop… there he is again… hey, where did he go again? All of the time he was moving closer and closer, intent upon joining his friends.
Not content to wait for Jesus to join them, Peter gets out of the boat, and seeks to walk toward Jesus. How many steps did he take on the water that night? Two? Four? Ten? Who cares? It was dark, windy, and the lake was rolling with waves. Hear it again… PETER GOT OUT OF THE BOAT! I love this guy. And when his fear got the better of him? Jesus reached out and rescued him. Moments later when he and Peter climbed into the boat – the wind and the waves died down – and Matthew 14:33 tells us that this disciples worshipped him.
Never forget, when life gets hard and following Jesus feels like you are being buffeted by the wind and the waves — YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. Jesus will do whatever it takes to be with you. He will never ask you to do anything without being right by your side. So, take a risk. Get out of the boat. Share the gospel story with someone. Serve in a way that stretches you. Give a bit more than seems comfortable. Reach out to someone who needs a hand up. And if you start to sink? Guess who will be right there to rescue you?
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