Peter walked on water. Yes. You know that. Well let me rephrase that, Peter walked, and Jesus had him walk on water. I did a sermon at Hopevale Church this last weekend for the student ministries. If you are like me, you wonder if Peter was at all scared. I thought he may have been scared but as I look deeper into the story of Peter’s life, I do not feel like Peter would have hesitated.
I think it went like this. Keep in mind I was not there. I think Peter jumped. I think Peter jumped out of a boat onto the water like nothing was holding him back. I am going to explain why I feel this way. I feel this way because, this time that is recorded in Matthew where Jesus and Peter are walking on water, was not the first time that Peter jumped out of a boat to follow Jesus. When Jesus called Peter, Peter jumped out of a boat and dedicated his entire world to following Jesus.
What motivates a man to give up all that he has ever known and understood to follow so boldly into the unknown? I do not know for sure, but I have to think that it must have been something with the way Jesus said to come follow. It may have been the air, or the mist of the sea on that particular day. Maybe the sun was shining or Peter got into a fight with his girlfriend. I am being a little bit silly at this point yes. I have to believe it must have been something about HOW Jesus said to come follow. “Master fisherman, you have fished your entire life. You know these waters, and that boat, and this net, and how to catch fish better than anyone in the area. Come with me, and I will show you how to really fish.” That is not a direct quote, but when I read that verse in Matthew, I hear this. Jesus invited Peter. The first time it was initiated by Jesus. He invited Peter, like he invites all of us.
To walk on water, that had to be initiated by Peter. To walk on water in your world, that has to be initiated by you. Jesus says come to me on the water. Why are you still in the boat? Why are you on shore?
This is a thought in my head. Why, can we trust Jesus with the big things like our lives, but we still fail to let go of the little things, like our relationships, or our finances, or our jobs? I will tell you why. We have not taken Jesus up on his offer to come to HIM on the water. We do not have to do anything we are incapable of doing. Peter did not. Peter can get out of a boat. Peter can walk. Only JESUS could help Peter walk on water.
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food for THOUGHT: Where are you at?
…and…
Why are you there?
leadershape 