A Time to “Walk on Water”
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were utterly terrified! Well, who wouldn’t be! If any of us were in that situation, would we react any differently?! Jesus reassured them by saying, “It is I, do not be afraid.” After this, a very interesting conversation arose between Jesus and Peter (Matt 14:28-33).
Peter: “Lord, Command me to come to you on the water.“
Peter had a desire to approach Jesus in an obviously uncomfortable and impossible situation. Who can defy gravity without the help of the Almighty! Peter also exhibited a humble and proactive attitude in asking for Jesus’ command. In today’s circumstances, we are called to do likewise. What is needed is a desire to get closer to the Lord, a connection with Him through prayer, and a decision to take the necessary steps forward in obedience to Him.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
– James 4:8
Jesus: “Come!“
This strong call from Jesus is an ongoing call for us to enter into a relationship with Him. In these times of testing and tribulation, it applies all the more to each us of us in the varying circumstances that we find ourselves in. It is a call to seek God through prayer and through the Word of God in the Bible. Jesus is calling each of us individually into this communion with Him – a friendship which is an investment unto eternity!
Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
– Matt 11:28
Peter: “Lord, save me!“
In spite of the widespread suffering in the world, many of us are very comfortable and are perhaps not affected much by the pandemic. For many people, life hasn’t really changed or become any more difficult than it was earlier. There is a risk of becoming indifferent to what is happening outside. The danger of such “comfort” is that the need to cry out to God will be reduced or even negated completely. The ground reality is that a majority of the human race are affected in different ways.
For the many who are struggling to cut costs and being forced into a simpler lifestyle in these times of uncertainty, life can be painful. The struggles of other people are far more intense – ranging from financial crisis due to loss of livelihood, lack of food and housing, hopelessness about the future, facing stress of being in lockdown, living in uncomfortable and unhealthy environments, etc. In the midst of suffering is an opportunity and a grace to truly cry out to God from the heart and seek His favour out of desperate need. When one is falling, “Lord, save me!” are deep words which can bear fruit for all eternity! Blessed are those who call on the name of the Lord!
This poor man cried and the Lord heard Him.
– Ps 34:6
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
– Rom 10:13
Jesus: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?“
The questioning attitude of Jesus does not indicate a judgemental attitude or any lack of love. On the contrary, the correction shows a sincere concern for Peter. Hidden behind the rebuke from Jesus is a fiery love, deeper and more intense than we could imagine!
While it is true that the Lord abounds in mercy and compassion (Ps 145:8), it does not mean that He does not question each of us today in a seemingly stern voice. This is a matter of divine discipline.
The Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.
– Heb 6:12
Let us ask ourselves: In this season, are we sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, probing into our hearts, asking us to increase our faith and trust in divine providence, and pushing us gently to abandon ourselves in the arms of the Heavenly Father?
The Disciples: “Truly you are the Son of God!“
All the pains and trials of the present time should, in the course of time, lead us to getting closer to God. These are allowed by God for our purification and that we connect to Him more. Jesus knows everything. He walks on water even now. He invites us to do likewise, and His hand is always stretched out, ready to save us when we fall.
Let us ask ourselves: Is our confession of faith in the Lord merely an intellectual confession out of head knowledge? Or does it erupt from the depths of the heart?
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
– Rom 10:9
Walking on Water as Jesus did
These painful circumstances of a season of pandemic are in line with God’s divine purpose for our purification and our consequent healing, both on a general and individual basis. It is clear that He wants to draw us closer to Him and that we look at the situation in light of eternity. Through the pain, this season provides us opportunities to strengthen ourselves spiritually and to gain many wonderful spiritual benefits.
But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
– Jude 1:20-21
Today, the voice of Jesus saying, “Come” is loud and clear. We can pretend that God is silent and choose to be indifferent. Or we can wake up to the divine call and respond with faith. We are called to walk in the way of the Lord and hence, we too are called to “walk on water”. Rising above painful situations with God’s saving help is joyful and redeeming!
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”
– Acts 4:12
Jesus is Lord and His name is the name above all names. As mentioned earlier, the Lord’s hand is always stretched out to help. Let’s always remember to cry out, “Lord, save me!”
