Walking on Water with Jesus!

Contributed by Rev. Adam Just, St. John's Christian Church, Archbold, OH
Posted on 2009-04-15 10:06:32
The small boat was rocking back and forth in the windy Sea of Galilee.  The disciples were beginning to fear that the boat might capsize.  Somewhere between 3 AM and 6 AM Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. The disciples spotted his ghostly figure walking on the water and they cried out in fear.  Jesus' response: "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:22-33)  Easier said than done.  When was the last time you saw someone walking on water?

In a brave move of faith Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the water.  "Come," said Jesus.  Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards Jesus.  Once Peter realized what was really going on with the strong winds all around him, he began to sink.  Peter cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter.  Jesus then got into the boat and all the winds died down.

There are a few practical lessons from the 2,000 year old document.  The first, we live in tumultuous, wavy and crazy world.  Some days the sea is flat and perfect for sailing, and the next day we have huge waves threatening our lives.  At least we can take some comfort in knowing we are not alone.  All of us have highs and lows, good and bad times and experiences.  Each of us have felt alone and isolated, but in truth we are not alone - especially in the church of Jesus Christ.  As brothers and sisters in Christ we are all called to love and care for one another.  We need to lift each other up and support each other in prayer.

Secondly, there is this amazing invitation from Jesus to Peter - "Come."  We think walking on water is this incredibly amazing thing, but Jesus is inviting Peter to do the exact same thing he is.  Jesus invites us. welcomes us, leads us to do his work.  We are invited to do the things that he is doing!  What a pertnership!  We are not called to sit back in the boat and enjoy the ride, but in the church we are called to live out our faith actively.  "Come!"  Or as Jesus says in Matthew 28, "Go!"

Finally, there is a word of caution.  Peter was walking on the water when he got distracted by the wind and the waves.  Once he was distracted Peter began to sink in the water.  It is inevitable in our faith that every now and then we will get distracted taking our eyes off of Jesus.  It is at this point that we must echo the words of Peter, "Lord, save me!"  We all make mistakes, we all get overwhelmed at times, and we all feel like we are sinking.  Cry out to God!  He is our Savior, our Messiah, our Comforter and our Friend.

This month may you enjoy the adventure of walking on the water out to Jesus!

Learn more about St. John's Christian Church online: www.stjohnsarchbold.org