HELLO!

As the meal was finished, Jesus insisted the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up 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 to death. “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?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” Matthew 14:22-33

There were three ministers in a rowboat. A large wave rocked the boat, and the oars were swept overboard. Fortunately, the boat was not far from shore. One of the ministers got up and walked on the water towards shore. Seeing him do this the second minister got up and walked on water as well. The third minister thought, if these two can do it so can I. The minister stepped out of the boat and splashed into the water. The first minister said to the second, “Should we show him where the rocks are?”

As William Willimon puts it: “If Peter had not ventured forth, had not obeyed the call to walk on the water, then Peter would never have had this great opportunity for recognition of Jesus and rescue by Jesus. I wonder if too many of us are merely splashing about in the safe shallows and therefore have too few opportunities to test and deepen our faith. This story implies if you want to be close to Jesus, you have to venture forth out on the sea, through risk and venture.” So, we step out of the boat, as a church, as individuals, we keep our eyes on Christ and we trust in the next adventure Christ is calling us to take. We know we are not alone; when we falter, when our focus blurs, when our actions call us to question our own sense, we still have Christ reaching out to us, encouraging us to trust. Like Peter, the waters will still, our steps become more certain, and we reach out to the One who is reaching out to us.

Peace, Kevin