Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(I apologize for getting a bit out of order on the devotions. After reading over them there is something else to be said about Peter’s walking on water and so I thought to go ahead and include it this morning.)
One of the great hymns of the church that we do not know very well but we will need to learn is what is called St. Patrick’s Breastplate.
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Not just a strong and beautiful ancient hymn; a motto for every earnest Christian. A coat of arms, with St. Patrick’s words surrounding a picture of Christ reaching out to take Peter’s hand on a storm-tossed sea.
The point the Lord was at pains to make at this remarkable moment was that to the extent that his disciples concentrate on him, to the extent that he becomes a fixation to us, to the extent that we remember what he has said and act on the truth of it;
To the extent that we know Jesus to be with us; to the extent that we remember that he has called us to serve him and promised us the grace necessary to do so; to that extent we will stand on the water and not sink.
And if we still fear to sink, it is the greatest conceivable gift that in the midst of the storm we have someone to look at who is not only in complete control of the weather, but who loves and cares for us as only a dying redeemer can.
There is one more thing worth always remembering in this episode. Christ lets Peter sink, but he does not let him drown. He teaches him to have a stronger faith, he does not desert him because his faith is weak. [Trench, 303]
Peter often gets a bad rap for this episode. Folks will criticize his weak faith and inability to sustain his confidence in the Lord. I am not sure it is wise for us to be critical when I am sure all of us relate much more to Peter’s weak faith than we do to his walking on the water for a few moments.
But there is another question that is begging to be asked: Where were the other disciples? What were they doing? Were they jumping out of the boat and walking on the water? Were the other 11 seeking to walk with Jesus? They were not, in fact…they were still in the boat.
They didn’t get out and walk with Jesus in the storm. They stayed in the safety and comfort of their boat. Their faith did not even think to be so bold! Only Peter ventured out…only Peter jumped over the side and walked with Jesus.
But it seems to me, and I trust you will agree, that there is more for us, for our faith, for our hope and peace to be found walking in the storm with Jesus than there could ever be in the confines of our warm comfortable boat.
Christianity in our day, if it is anything, it is comfortable. We have domesticated Jesus and we have taken all that is dangerous out of the Christian faith. But not for us! When not if, but when the storms come it would be wise for us to take our weak faith and to trust Him; to not just believe IN Him but to believe Him.
So…let us get out of the boat and walk in the storm with Jesus.
Prayer: Father, as I profess you to be the only true God and trust You as my refuge, give me Spirit led courage to act out my faith and to take my place among Your people, set apart for Your glory and to do Your bidding until Jesus comes again. Help my faith to be strong enough to walk in the storms with my Savior. I praise You and thank You for setting Your love upon Me, an undeserving sinner! Now, I set my love upon You and seek Your will and purpose for my life. Thank you Father, in Jesus name, Amen.
Psalm 46