It looks so calm. And it was. That is, until the sun started to set. Then the wind started. It came up from the east as a steady gale. White caps formed as only the largest boats remained on the Sea of Galilee. I could only imagine being in a heavy 20 ft boat, struggling with the oars against the relentless wind. The disciples, alone, struggling and fighting against the stormy sea are a sharp contrast to Jesus who was up in a solitary place, peacefully communing with the Father. The fear of the disciples is the same fear of all of us, the fear of facing struggles alone coupled with the fear of the unknown. When Jesus suddenly appears, walking upon the very depths where the Jews believed demons to dwell, their fear only increases. Why? They're seeing Jesus! They shouldn't be afraid. Or maybe, just like us, the fear comes from the fact that Jesus is seeing them! He is seeing them struggle and fight against the elemental powers which are out of their control. It's embarrassing, and fearful. For the disciples. fear seems to fade in the words, "It is I! Do not be afraid." In the midst of our struggle, Jesus presence is always comfort and never fear. For we know that He has already walked the path of death and came out victorious. In the presence of Christ fear fades so much, that we may like Peter be willing to step out of the boat - into the unknown knowing that this is precisely where Jesus leads. Our feet will certainly get wet, but we'll never sink as long as our eyes remain fixed on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who walks beside us to forever calm the storm. Matthew 14:22-33
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Walk with Me...
It looks so calm. And it was. That is, until the sun started to set. Then the wind started. It came up from the east as a steady gale. White caps formed as only the largest boats remained on the Sea of Galilee. I could only imagine being in a heavy 20 ft boat, struggling with the oars against the relentless wind. The disciples, alone, struggling and fighting against the stormy sea are a sharp contrast to Jesus who was up in a solitary place, peacefully communing with the Father. The fear of the disciples is the same fear of all of us, the fear of facing struggles alone coupled with the fear of the unknown. When Jesus suddenly appears, walking upon the very depths where the Jews believed demons to dwell, their fear only increases. Why? They're seeing Jesus! They shouldn't be afraid. Or maybe, just like us, the fear comes from the fact that Jesus is seeing them! He is seeing them struggle and fight against the elemental powers which are out of their control. It's embarrassing, and fearful. For the disciples. fear seems to fade in the words, "It is I! Do not be afraid." In the midst of our struggle, Jesus presence is always comfort and never fear. For we know that He has already walked the path of death and came out victorious. In the presence of Christ fear fades so much, that we may like Peter be willing to step out of the boat - into the unknown knowing that this is precisely where Jesus leads. Our feet will certainly get wet, but we'll never sink as long as our eyes remain fixed on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who walks beside us to forever calm the storm. Matthew 14:22-33
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3 comments:
being at the Sea of Galilee and having the wind come up, makes you feel God's presence, and probably would give you goosebumps. It would be hard to describe the feelings that you had at that moment.
You know, they're the same feelings I have each time I have the honor to participate in a Baptism or each time I receive the Lord's Supper! The power of God's presence in the smallest of things is truly AMAZING!
That is truly an incredible feeling. God is always there, but those still, quiet moments when we slow down enough to feel his presence... those are the moments than renew my spirit and strengthen me for life's challenges.
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