WATCHWORD:
25 About four o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water! 26 They screamed in terror, for they thought he was a ghost. 27 But Jesus immediately spoke to them, reassuring them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. 28 Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.” 29 “All right,” the Lord said, “come along!” So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:25-30
2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Meditation:
Water Walking
The little boy, perhaps age 3, stood on the beach and gazed at the amazing size of Lake Erie. He dug his toe into the sand, then took a tentative step into the cool water and giggled with delight. He put his hand down and splashed a little, so pleased with himself. Another step, and the water was up to his ankle. He was master of this giant pond. Then another step, then another. Now the water was up to his knees, and he kicked the water, laughing all the while. In the distance, he could see a boat and he was fascinated, and he watched it as he took still other steps. The water was now up to his waist and suddenly he wasn’t sure. He turned and look toward shore, so far away, and that panicked him and he could not move. In his fear, he cried out and he was rescued by his big sister, who had always been near.
The girl had been playing in the surf and it had been so much fun, but now the tide was coming in. The foot and hand-holds that had helped her climb down the shear face of the cliff were nowhere to be found. In panic she calls, “Someone, help me!” Some where, above, a hand reaches down, and she is rescued.
The men in the boat were experienced, and yet the change in the wind, and the roughing of the sea caused great concern. Then they saw Jesus walking toward them, on the waves. Peter called out, “If that is you, Lord, let me come to you.” With Jesus’ response, Peter steps out of the boat, and, step by step, walks toward Jesus on the waves. Embolden, he looks around to admire what he is doing, and, as his gaze leaves the face of Jesus, he sank!
Water-walking, risk taking, trying something new are all best done in the trusting embrace of our Lord. How about the start of a new day? Yes, that, too. Flying to a distance location? Eh huh, that is included. How about this, growing old? Absolutely, and thank God.
How about worry? How about an awareness of all that you must do, and how will you get it all done? That schedule, those standards you set for yourself, are now crowding-in, and you feel suffocated. The water is rising all the way up to your chin, and the waves are getting higher, and you simply don’t know what to do.
Then you remember the “Escape Clause” that God had planted in your heart. Those three little words that mean the difference between sinking and living. “Help me, Jesus” is not a last resort, He is a constant presence. He is the big sister nearby. His is the hand that reaches down. He has brought order out of your chaos, quelled your storm, and lifted you up. He helps you overcome yourself. That is why He is Lord and Savior.
Jesus Calling, speaks to us: “you are surrounded by a sea of difficult problems, but you are face to face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out “Help me, Jesus” and I will lift you up”. So be it.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
A Philippians Prayer Prompt:
Philippians 4:4-7: With gratitude, in your own words, pray each verse as it applies to you, and the things of your world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace…
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Amen.
