Okay, so we probably all remember the story from Matt. 14:23-36 where Jesus is walking on the water on the way out to the disciples in the boat. Peter gets out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the water. At first all is well, then he begins to sink.
I've always heard two themes developed in sermons surrounding this story. The first and most prevalent, that when Peter took His eyes off of Jesus, and focused on the rough waves is the point at which he started to sink. A very good lesson in this. If we want to walk through the storms of life, we must keep our eyes upon Jesus. How do we do that? Reading the Bible and reflecting upon what we read. Spending time in prayer and meditation. Harkening to the Holy Spirits voice and leadership.
Now the second, lesser developed theme I've heard is that when Peter became aware of the circumstances around him he started to fear. Fear lends itself to doubt. We should never doubt our Lord's love for us. And the most oft repeated command from the lips of Jesus is "do not fear." We must trust him. We should rest in that trust of his love and power.
But last night as I came through the living room to cut the TV off, there was the end of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Sally Field was a guest. And also some scientific fellow with a collection of bugs. He was just finishing up his segment. Had apparently showed a bug that could walk across the water. Was telling how scientifically it is surface tension that allows this. Then he began a demonstration with a trough filled with custard. Barefooted, he quickly walked across the top of the custard. Then Jay and even Sally followed. Science man then gets back in the custard. He walks, and even jumps on the custard!! He stays on the surface through all of that. BUT, as soon as he stood still his feet sank to the bottom of the trough. And it had quite a hold on him, too.
And immediately, I saw another theme in this wonderful story. Peter froze in fear when he saw the waves. He stopped moving. Stopped going forward. If we feel as if we are sinking, drowning in troubles and woes perhaps we have become immobile. We must keep moving! Yes, the word says to "be still and know that I am God." But that is referring to a quiet trust. A spiritual and mental stop. We should always continue to grow in the Lord. We should always continue to do the things that we know are things to do: trust, love, learn, care, minister, worship, give, etc. Following Jesus requires movement.
Barbara
Barb-I agree, If I had lost sight of Jesus this last week thru this week, I would have never made it myself. You must keep moving even if it is only a step at a time.
ReplyDeleteMichele
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I so love that story and have heard it preached many times. What wonderful insight you have given! Even if some of it was from the Tonight show. Bless you my friend, Penny
ReplyDeleteVery good insites Barbara. I believe I like the first one and second ones the best, the Bible says he was afraid, to me that means he took his eyes off Jesus for a bit and maybe began to doubt he could actually make it and was afraid so therefore he began to sink. Helen
ReplyDeleteBoy Barbara! Sometimes I sure wish I had your insite for these things! That was great. I used to think about the part about taking my eyes off Jesus, but when I heard the second teaching a long time ago, I thought I fell more into that catagory. Now- I still think I am there, but sometimes my fear of things gets me stopping. So I guess I fall into the 3rd catagory too. Hopefully, I'll get it through my heart too, and learn to trust Him no matter what. I get impatient, but I know He has His time for even 'fixing' us up too. Thank you Barbara! Have a great weekend. God Bless! Carolyn
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of the times I froze trying to avoid going ahead--and realy just slid back into old behavior. With eyes on JC I can go forward.
ReplyDelete--Granny Hugs to Ya, MARY
That was a great insight barb, amen, we must not stand still and be immobile.Great entry.
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angelrose
Hey Barb, that was a new insight! Yes, it makes sense. On the one hand, when we are in trouble, when we are lost, we should stop and think about where we are. We tell our kids that when they find themselves lost, they should stop and wait until we come looking for them. I always thought that's how Jesus was able to find me again, because I had stopped trying to find Him. When I stopped looking in all the wrong places, I found Him there with me.
ReplyDeleteYet in this story, one of my favorites btw, Peter does start to sink when he recognizes the impossibility of what he is doing. He becomes fearful because his mind tells him he shouldn't be doing this.
You have a point here. I know from my own personal perspective that without Jesus calling me to "step out of the boat", I wouldn't be doing what I do. I could never have gone into teaching without the call to "walk on water." I tell you know lie. I never dreamed I'd be a teacher. I never considered it until I was in my forties when I heard the call. For me, it was a lot like walking on water.
If I ever dare to stop and think about where I am and what I am really doing, I become very fearful, and I do find myself sinking into depths of doubt and despair. I have to cling to the Lord, I have to have the faith that He knows this is the work I should do. Without His assurance, I would not dare to take on that kind of responsibility, nor that kind of mentally exhausting work.
Yes, your analogy does make sense to me. Nice entry, Barb. Bea
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ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE SCRIPTURE THAT TELLS US THAT THE ONLY UNFORGIVEABLE SIN IS TO DENY JESUS CHRIST.
PRAISE GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DID FOR US AND CONTINUALLY THANKING HIM FOR HIS BLESSINGS ON US.
NO CRITICIZING OR ISSUING SPECIFIC ORDERS IN OUR PRAYERS. sam
Yes....if Peter had been still within..he wouldnt have sunk...Be still and know I'm God....such a powerful verse....I should mediate on that......thank you for the wonderful entry-Raven
ReplyDeleteYou last sentence says it all . ;')
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What a beautiful insight! Holy Spirit inspired for sure! My parish, is St. Peter's Church, and a mural of that scene is painted on the wall in the vestibule.
ReplyDelete-Kellen
i never looked at it like that before.
ReplyDeletei liked this entry and i needed it today.
thankyou
have a good day
emily
I loved the way your interpreted this passage, and yes ! I do believe that we must keep walking in faith no matter what, the Lord is always faithful. Thanks for sharing:)
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