"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Matthew 14:29-30
How far do you have to sink?
Let me explain. I have been in church forever . . . well at least it seems that way sometimes. And I have heard many many preachers expound on the story of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on the water towards Jesus. I have heard it used as an allegory on keeping our eyes focused on Christ in the midst of a trial rather than looking at our circumstances. I have heard it used to talk about faith, having it and the lack thereof. I have heard preachers use it to talk about fear versus faith. But there is one thing that Peter got very right that I have never heard anyone talk about. When Peter began to sink, he cried out to Jesus. He didn't cry out to the other people in the boat. He didn't try to swim back to the boat. He didn't try to save himself, work it out on his own, think it out, cry it out, or sulk it out . He didn't wait until salt water stung his eyes and water filled his nose and mouth. Peter saw Jesus as a first response rather than a last resort.
So let me ask you the question again. How far do you have to sink?
3 comments:
God only knows how far I'd have to sink. I suspect I'm not His favorite.
Nice exegesis here Mi Amiga. I've never heard this story expounded in this manner.
I actually was in a very deep state of prayer when this "came to me." Up til now I'm afraid I am one of the ones who had to exhaust every other resource before leaving it in the hands of God. But I am learning . . . Oh yes I am.
And as far as being one of God's favorites I don't know why you would feel that way. You remind me of the story of the two men at the temple. One stood on the steps consumed by his own self righteousness and said " I thank you God that I am not like the others." And one stood beating His breast consumed by the awesome holiness of God and asked forgiveness for himself. Christ said it was the latter that received forgiveness.
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