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DEVOTIONAL
OPENING PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you have promised never to forsake or leave me. Accept my life and ministry as a living sacrifice to you and grant me strength to keep my promises to you. In the name of Christ. AMEN.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus has fed the five thousand and sends the disciples and people away as he seeks some time to reflect and pray. Jesus knows where they are going, and they leave Jesus behind in obedience but not knowing how he will join them. How does Jesus rejoin the disciples and what do we learn from the disciples? Let’s read the scripture.
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Matthew 14:22-33 NIV
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
REFLECTION
Jesus sends the disciples upon the lake in a boat as he goes up the mountain to pray. It is early the following morning as Jesus has prayed all night. The boat is well away from him, being buffeted by winds, which have arisen with the morning. Jesus sees their situation and walks towards them on the lake. They have not called out to Jesus, Jesus goes to them. Jesus’ appearance on the lake frightens the disciples more than the storm – this cannot be possible. Peter doubts Jesus’ identification and demands proof. Jesus tells him to get out of the boat and join him on the lake. Peter accepts Jesus’ challenge and with fear and faith gets out of the boat. At first all is well for Peter – but his doubt is stronger than his “little faith” and he begins to sink. Jesus reaches out and catches Peter and they both get into the boat. The storm ceases as they get into the boat together.
There will be times in our lives when we will be sent into a situation without our sense of Jesus at our side. It may become a difficult situation, and we may try to rely upon our own skills to get through the moment. Never forget that Jesus is always coming to meet us – is always available to us. Jesus may come as one unknown or unrecognized. We can challenge Jesus or welcome Jesus. In grace and with abundant mercy Jesus will always offer us grace and help, even when we are sinking in our doubts and fears.
Have faith. Realize Jesus’ enduring presence and strength. Accept his coming and his mercy. Jesus will never fail. That is why we worship and adore him. God’s love endures forever.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, allow me, your servant to go in peace. I have experienced your salvation which you have prepared for everyone. Uphold me as I seek to serve in your name. AMEN.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
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