November 12
Scripture focus: Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?" Matthew 14:24-21, The Message
Yesterday’s devotional suggested that positioning ourselves in such a way as to live as a perpetual student is a good thing. We can even do that as we study the lives of God’s people throughout history. Here are some things I notice about Peter:
- Peter was the only guy willing to get out of the boat.
- Peter was bold.
- Peter was willing to act on his belief.
- Peter had a moment of clarity and confidence – he trusted Jesus.
- Peter trusted and stepped out on nothing.
- Peter quickly grew forgetful of what he knew about Jesus, and lost his nerve.
- Peter’s circumstances were challenging, who’s to say how any of us would respond to a walk on churning waves?
- Peter sunk.
- Peter had the humility to cry out to Jesus for salvation.
- Peter didn’t hesitate the offer of help – he grabbed for the aid.
- Because Peter was willing and able but then fearful and failing – he had the privilege of a personal encounter with Jesus – a word of encouragement and gentle rebuke.
Peter was a complicated guy – one moment bold, the next fearful. But in all of Peter’s moods, Jesus was an advocate for Peter. Jesus loved Peter when he boldly stepped out on the water, and he saved him when his trust faltered.
Spiritually abused people often believe that God will abandon, punish, detach emotionally, fail to support, and demand perfection of them. This is not the God of scripture. Jesus imitates his Father. Jesus shows us in Matthew 14 how to love one another.
In faith or fear, courage or cowardice – Jesus stands beside us, eager to hold onto us and aid us in our time of need. May our understanding of God grow as a result of learning from Peter.
Recommended reading: Isaiah 63-66
1 comment:
'In faith or fear, courage or cowardice – Jesus stands beside us, eager to hold onto us and aid us in our time of need.' " if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you. by this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you; abide in My love. if you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. these things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15: 7-11) a.'nanny' mouse
Post a Comment