Walking On Water
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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. 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?”
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The story of Jesus walking upon the water has inspired artists, poets and songwriters for centuries. It is a story that contains an Invitation.
The Invitation is to get out of our boat, where we are safe, and walk on water, which we can't. But there is a hand ready to catch us when we sink. The story probably has its origins in the earliest years of the Jesus Movement when led by Peter in Jerusalem. When James the fisherman, and James, brother of Jesus were executed Peter, too, must have thought he was going to drown. He, also, must have prayed - 'Lord, save me!' |
One of the calls of the Lord Jesus is to follow him and leave many things behind - to trust that everything we need will be given to us.
Perhaps now is the time to leave the old church behind; to be not afraid of losing our buildings. Instead to meet with one another in Jesus' name in our homes. Small groups of his followers, disciples together, learning from him and from one another. Asking the questions that every generation must ask anew - Lord, what is it that you want us to be?
Lord, what is it that you want us to do? Leaving behind the old institutions that have brought us comfort and security may be like stepping out of the boat and onto the water.
But this is the call that the Lord Jesus makes to all who want to be his disciples - 'Follow Me!' |