Rescue Me
This week, we received news of a high rise residential building that collapsed in the Miami area. Over 100 people are still unaccounted for and efforts are underway to search for and rescue those who were in the building. We are praying for those who may still be trapped under the rubble as well as for the families who are waiting and hoping for word of the safety of their loved ones. We don't know how it will all turn out, but we lift our eyes in this moment to the One who is our hope and our salvation. In this week's lesson (Matt. 14:22-33) we are reminded of the importance of keeping our focus on the Lord, especially in times of distress and trouble. May God keep you this week and may you not lose sight of Him in the midst of your storm.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. (Matt. 14:22-24) Jesus sent the disciples away from Him and then He sent away the crowd of over 5,000 that He had just miraculously fed (see Matt 14:13-21). When He had sent everyone away, then Jesus got by himself and prayed, because Satan was actively trying to disrupt His mission. Even as Jesus prayed, the disciples encountered a storm and that kept them from reaching the other side of the lake. Jesus is our example. It is imperative that we often get by ourselves, away from the distractions of the world, and pray for guidance and protection against evil.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matt. 14:25-29) Already dealing with a storm, the disciples saw a figure walking on the water and became terrified. Jesus called out to them that it was Him coming to them, therefore they didn't need to be afraid but instead should take courage. Peter requested that Jesus call the him to walk on the water. When Jesus commanded Peter to come, Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and miraculously began walking on the water toward Jesus. When we're in troubled waters, our Lord reminds us that He is there. He commands us to draw near to Him, walk in faith and "fear not".
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matt. 14:30-33) Peter's initial faith and focus on Jesus was overcome by the distraction of the wind whipping up the waves around him. Then he became fearful and he began to sink. But Peter had the wherewithal to call out a frantic plea to Jesus...save me! Jesus heard his cry and rescued him. Jesus called out Peter's little faith as an issue. After Jesus' saved Peter and demonstrated His authority over the storm, the disciples confessed that Jesus is the Son of God. Your trial is meant to increase your faith. It will also lead others who witness the power of God's saving grace in your life to confess their faith in Jesus.
When we operate in faith, walking with God to do what He has called us to do, then we like Peter, can do some amazing things. Alternatively when we lose sight of Him, and begin to operate within the limits of our own abilities and understanding, then fear and doubt can distract us and take us off mission. Even though Peter allowed his doubt to temporarily derail him, at his moment of desperate need, he cried out in faith and Jesus saved him. When the cares and troubles of the world are pressing in on you, God wants you to have enough faith to call out to Him...and trust Him to rescue you
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me ~ Psalm 23:4 NIV
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
