Come: Walk on Water

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” (Jesus) said. 

Matthew 14:28-2

It had been a day. First, the terrible news that John the Baptist’s head had been whimsically served up on a platter. Desperate for some down time, Jesus tried His best to take His disciples away, to a solitary place; however, the crowds were one step ahead. Filled with compassion, He spent the day teaching and healing their sick. And when supper time rolled around, He provided the meal. Miracle had piled up on miracles.

 As night deepened on the Sea of Galilee, we find the disciples adrift on rough seas and the Lord, fresh from prayer, walking to them on the water. They are terrified—was it a ghost? Jesus was quick to reassure them. And then Peter asks this strange question: “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 

Oh that this much boldness were in my bones. Of course, by now Peter and the others had not only seen but performed miracles in Jesus’ name (Mark 6:6-13, 30). And Peter’s impulsive nature must have carried him along with the tide; although, he did make sure it actually was Jesus. No way Peter was going to hop out of the boat into the waves for a ghost. I suspect Peter was indeed getting a glimpse of the real nature of the Lord, plus the thought that His power was available to those who would follow Him.   

 As to Jesus, He readily nurtured the baby faith of Peter with His invitation to come, join Him on the waves. Make no mistake, Jesus’ come was for His closest—at other times He refused to perform miracles for the curious (Matthew 12:38-41).

You know the story well—Peter did walk on water, but unfortunately his doubts superseded his faith and he sank. You also know that Jesus graciously gave him a hand up. And by the time Jesus and Peter climbed back into the boat, coincident with the wind dying down, those who were in the boat worshiped (Jesus), saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:32-33).  

I am no Peter. But Lord, may I be so bold as to ask You to invite me out onto the waters of Your will this year. And once there, may I completely, utterly, absolutely trust in Your power to keep it all afloat.  

Nancy P