Thoughts for the Day

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morninig he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'

Peter answered him, 'Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

This wonderful little incident shows us Peter, warts and all. He has such amazing faith to climb out of the boat and walk on the water, but Jesus calls him and off he goes, only to suffer dreadful doubts after a few minutes. Matthew's Gospel says that 'he started walking' and 'came towards Jesus', so he must have gone some way across the water, but then he becomes frightened and starts to sink. However, he instinctively turns to Jesus for help. His cry of 'Lord, save me!' is that of a child to its parent, and it's one we have all made to God at some point.

Peter has complete trust in Jesus, and he is the first port of call when he's in trouble. What about us? Do we turn to Him when things go wrong, and is our trust as strong as Peters that He can rescue us?

Sunday 9th August, follow up thoughts

Lord Jesus
as Your disciple Peter
trusted totally in You
so may we learn to turn to You
when things get difficult
and life seems to hard.
Help us to have faith
to 'walk on water'
with Your assistance.
Amen.