LEARNING TO WALK ON WATER!

Matthew 14: 22-33

Just a few extra thoughts on my sermon from Sunday while sitting at the table communing with the Lord and a cup of coffee on Tuesday morning.

1. A Great Storm

“and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.” Vs. 24 “and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.” Vs. 24

A great storm had been brewing in the lives of our Lord Jesus Christ andHis disciples all day. According to Matthew 14 the day began with John the Baptist, the Preparer, Forerunner of Christ being beheaded.

Even in the midst of grief our Lord continued to minister to the multitudes teaching and preaching all day and later in the evening by feeding the thousands. Exhausted from loss and ministry Jesus retreats a mountain side and sends his twelve disciples in a boat out on the sea so he could be alone.

Everywhere in our world we are surrounded by great storms: Japan, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, and also in our friends, family, personal lives. Why are there storms in our lives and in our world?

2. The Invitation

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Vs. 27

The professional fishermen had seen many storms before and were able to row to shore and withstand the storm. However this storm was the perfect storm, they were unable to control the boat for the wind was contrary to them.

Even nature seems to have taken a negative vent toward them and their entire lives were threatened.

How many people there are today who have lost jobs, homes, family, and marriages feel their lives are under the attack of a great storm?

Just like the boats on the day of tusmai they were going to sink. But miracously Jesus comes walking on the water to where they are. In the midst of raging waves, the winds, fatigue, they do not see, or understand.

Their hearts sank and thought he was a ghost. But when the Lord speaks they recognize his voice saying: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid? Where can we go to escape the presence of God?

Is there any storm that is so big that he will never be present, loving, caring, and working for good in our lives?

3. Peter Begins to Sink

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink,” vs. 30

Only two people have walked on water: Jesus and Peter. The other disciples has the same opportunity but for whatever reason they remained in the boat. Here was something they had never seen or experienced before and they weren’t about to think outside the box. Not only did Peter think outside the box, but in the midst of the storm he stepped outside the boat.

What is Christ calling you to do to that would require you to think outside the box, or step outside the boat? What would you have to leave behind: friends, money, jobs, security, purpose, possessions? What is the fear that is in your heart that keeps you from doing what Jesus wants you to do, and the fear that makes you sink?

4. Peter Prayed

“Cried out, “Lord, save me!” vs. 30 Three simple words but all that was adequate for the Master of the Sea respond. As a disciples Peter had witnessed the Divine Power of Christ as he feed the 5000, healed the sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, but these miracles all involved someone else. Could Christ really help Peter, himself? Could Peter who is a part of the inner circle of disciples, some say was the leader of the pack, could he let go of his own pride, wisdom, strength, position, admit his own inadequacy in the situation and desperately call out: “Lord, save me?”

What is it that keeps us from calling on the name of the Lord?

Is it our own pride, independence, our ability to get by, resources, other friends, other loves such as possessions, persons, or purpose? Just like Jonah, Dying Thief on the Cross, or Saul on the Damascus Road, a storm can come our way like we’ve never seen before to get our attention and help us to understand how inadequate we are and of the necessity for survival and for LIFE we must call on the name of the Lord! As one country preacher asked his congregation: “What is it going to take of God to get your attention.?”

The storms of life will come our way. Just remember Jesus comes to us in the midst of the storm and invites us to “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” We must keep our eyes on Jesus and not allow the distractions or negativity make us loose our focus. Remember, we can never be true disciples unless we love him more than any other person, possession, or person. He requires that we place Him first. The greatest prayer we can ever pray is three simple words: “Lord, save me!” Those words enables him to heal the broken heart, give hope to the hopeless, love the unlovely, to forgive the greatest sinner, and give unto us eternal life. He can set our feet on dry ground, give us a new day of beginning with hope, joy, love, and life. Do you need to pray those three words today?