John 6:16-21
Several years ago, when our children were young, we decided to take them snorkling off the coast of Maui at Molokini Crater. We boarded the boat and looked forward to showing them the beautiful fish that lived near the crater. We were settled into our seats enjoying the views when a strong wind came up. The water became choppy, our boat tossed on the waves. Fear and nausea replaced the excitement!
The disciples had left the mountainside and Jesus sent the crowd home. Jesus stayed to pray, the disciples had been instructed to board a ship and head across the lake. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. In Mark 6:48 it tells us that Jesus, "...saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them." Jesus walks out on the lake to their boat, and they are terrified. They don't recognize Him. We are told in Mark 6:49 that, "...they thought He was a ghost."
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." He tells them. Then He gets into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore they were headed to.
The disciples were battered by the wind, their hard work at the oars wasn't getting them to the shore. Jesus sees exactly what is happening even though He isn't with them. They are obeying His instruction, but His instruction has brought them into storm and trial.
It's interesting that they seem to be trying to tough it out themselves. Several were fishermen, so were probably accustomed to being caught on the water in a storm. When Jesus shows up they are terrified - of Him! They didn't call out to be saved, they didn't even recognize Him. Jesus wasn't put off as we might be, He calms the storm and their fears, bringing them safely to shore.
Our self-sufficiency can't get us through the storms in life. We may think we don't need Christ, that we've made it before and we'll make it again. But we end up stuck in the middle of the lake, winds and waves battering us. Christ knows. He's been watching and knows all about the storm and our weakness. Recognize Him, and have courage, because He is the One that can bring us safely to shore!
The account in Matthew says it was the 4th hour, between 3-6am. I know for me my fears are strongest in the middle of the night when it is dark and I am alone with my thoughts, where doubt and uncertainty take hold and Satan is whispering his lies. But in the morning, in the light of day, when I focus on the Light of the World, Jesus, my faith is renewed and I can see again, like Peter. He recognized Jesus, got out of the boat and walked on the water to Him. He doubted and started to sink, but Jesus held out His hand and rescued him. This reminds me of the words to one of my favorite songs from Casting Crowns. It encourages me to listen to the Voice of Truth, to choose and believe Him, not the lies of the enemy. To step out in faith, not matter how scary it may seem. To follow Him, even if it makes me uncomfortable. Here is the 1st verse and chorus of song.
ReplyDeleteOh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in onto the crashing waves. To step out of my comfort zone to the realm of the unknown where Jesus is. And He's holding out his hand. But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me, reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The waves they keep on telling me time and time again,'you'll never win.'
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.