Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Tuesday, December 18, 2012      Peter and I Walked on Water      

Page 130-131         Matthew 14: 24-36; Mark 6:47-56; John 6:17b-21

Twice in this passage Jesus comments of the disciples’ lack of faith. We know Jesus does not intend for his followers to literally walk on water or alter the forces of nature. Considering his many misadventures at sea, such power would have been invaluable to the Apostle Paul. While Paul didn’t calm the seas or walk on water, he did reveal the heart of a disciple whose life had been transformed by Jesus. Paul was not incapacitated by fear. Unfortunately, too many commentators and preachers diminish the power of this episode by saying something cutesy like, “if you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.”

I think Jesus was walking on water because it was the most expedient way for him to catch up to the disciples. Jesus was not challenging them to show their faith by walking on water; he was challenging the disciples because of their lack of faith. Jesus had just finished feeding thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and two fish. What else did the disciples need to believe that when Jesus is present all human boundaries are lifted? Why were they terrified to see Jesus coming to them? They responded from fear and missed being comforted by Jesus through faith. This episode is an encouragement for us to live with a made up mind: Jesus will take care of us; all things are possible with Jesus; we can rest in the assurance that Jesus knows where we are, and he is all we need.

We all face times of great anxiety. The gale force winds and rough seas encountered by the disciples are a good metaphor for such times in our lives. In those times, if we will but listen, we will hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid. I am here.”

With Jesus closely by our side, we’ll pass safely through the storm.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are available by email. Contact me at Amkrom812@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

This BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 I Am the Bread of Life      

Page 131-133         John 6:22 - 7:1