Walking on the Water

July 3, 2020

Just as the people in the desert were called to look to the serpent, Peter is called to keep his eyes on Jesus as he walks on water. But the storm gets too big, and the waves too frightening, so he takes his focus off of the savior. As you study, identify with Peter in the story. What storms are drawing your eyes away from the Savior? 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Matthew 14:22-33

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REFLECTION

Walking on the Water

By Pastor Jeff Morlock

  

In ancient times, the sea came to symbolize evil, chaotic forces that were believed to cause sudden suffering and instantly claim human life. The disciples are right in the midst of such an experience. And though several of them are professional fishermen, they are clearly beyond their competency, struggling with the oars and unable to make headway against the wind.

Like Jesus’ first disciples, we have lots of professional know-how today. We’ve invented new and more efficient instruments of war but have been unable to develop one that will make peace. We can send astronauts into space for months at a time, but we can’t seem to put food in hungry bellies or find a cure for certain diseases that threaten us here on earth. At times, our lives and our world can seem as vulnerable as that little boat being tossed to and fro by the waves.

But into our chaos and fear, again today, comes Jesus. What does it mean that he walks on the water except that all things are possible with him? We want to proclaim this hope to a world in need. Yet like our elder brother, Peter, we inevitably let our eyes drop to the waves. And discouragement pulls us under.

Still, that which threatens us is no threat to Jesus. He is Lord even over the chaotic and the unpredictable. In the book of Revelation, the sea of glass before the throne of God is like crystal - perfectly calm, and under control in the presence of the Almighty. Until we arrive at that sea, we will need to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is its master, and ours. The sea would not defeat Peter that night. He was safer walking with Jesus on the water than he was in the boat. So it is with us.

Prayer: Holy Father, you are not surprised by the things that shock and scare us. In the face of our own storms, whatever they may be, empower us to look neither to lesser gods, nor to distractions, nor merely to our own expertise, but to the One, who overcame sin, death, and the grave for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER      

FRIDAY: FAITH

Pray for faith instead of fear. That many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.

  

Trust and Obey - is there any other way?

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Many times in life I do not feel courageous.  In fact, I am downright fearful. There are challenges that cause me to hesitate. I doubt my ability to successfully maneuver new situations.  I seem to lose faith in my own abilities. 

The telling phrase is 'my own abilities'. Whenever I consider going out on my own, trusting my own abilities and not turning to God for whatever I will need to accomplish the task, fear has an inroad.


I am not alone. Once I acknowledge this I discover there is One who is there, at my side, ready to give me courage. I must keep my eyes on the One, or like Peter, I'll sink into my fears. The waves of trouble with wash over me and I will feel as though I am drowning in my circumstances.

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Matthew 14:32)

Here's the issue; I realize I am afraid of are the things of this world: financial security, getting older, being alone -- and there are still 'those days' when it is difficult to put on a brave front and walk with confidence. But, knowing that Jesus is in the boat with me, makes all the difference.

Matthew 14:22-33