Rescue [day 3]
[Matthew 14 - The Call Out]
As we previously read in chapter 11, Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens and the things that may be weighing us down. We see Jesus do this for a second time in chapter 14. The story in Matthew chapter 14 is a bit more bizarre than that in chapter 11. We see Jesus’ disciples out at sea, being beaten down by the waves. Scripture says this event happens during the fourth watch of the night, which would be somewhere between three and six in the morning. It's at the fourth watch that Jesus decides to join them. The boat is far from shore, so what does Jesus do? He walks to them. On the sea. This story is one that many of us have potentially heard time and time again, but right now, just stop and take a minute to be amazed all over again.
Jesus is walking on water! This is so cool. Even stopping here in the story teaches us so much. Jesus is Lord over all things. He has control over all things. He can do all things. There is a lot to take in and a lot to praise Jesus for, but let's continue in the story.
When Jesus gets to the boat, via walking on the water, the disciples see him and are terrified! They think he's a ghost. Jesus tells them "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." Peter responds "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Peter displays his faith. He believes if it really is Jesus out there that he would be able to walk with Him. Jesus then says to him, "Come." Peter backs up his faith with action and steps out of the boat, onto the water and walks towards Jesus.
Peter has great faith. He trusts Jesus' call to him; even when the call seemed impossible. It was risky and dangerous, but Peter trusts the call. He takes a step of faith and joins Jesus in the impossible.
Amazingly enough, there is more to the story! While Peter is on the water with Jesus, he takes his eyes off of Him. He sees the wind and becomes afraid. As soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus he begins to sink. As Peter is sinking he cries out "Lord, save me." Then Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and takes hold of him. When Peter cries out, Jesus rescues him.
There is so much we can learn from this short passage. When we trust in and follow Jesus, He takes us to places we could never imagine. His call on your life will be an adventure like no other. We will only experience the goodness and blessing of the Lord if we choose to actively follow Him. We need to have great faith and trust the call of Jesus.
Similar to Peter, you may take your eyes off of Jesus. When we do, we will begin to sink. If our eyes are not fixed on Jesus and if we are not following him closely, we will fail and fall away. All you have to do is look to Jesus and cry out "Lord, save me!" Jesus is gracious and kind. He is merciful and loving. He is our rescuer and redeemer. No matter how far you have fallen away, Jesus will pull you up and save you.
Follow and trust Jesus. Surrender to Him daily.
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out,“Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat,the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Psalm 28:6-7
6 Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Prayer:
Jesus, you are almighty. You are ruler over all things. You are great and powerful.You are also loving, kind, and caring. Thank you for displaying these characteristics through stories like Matthew 14. I thank you for the grace and forgiveness you have shown me. I thank you for the call you have placed on my life. Help me to trust you and follow you. Thank you for saving me from sin and death. You are my rescue. You are my redeemer. Help me to always fix my eyes on you, Jesus. Help me to surrender to you every day and every moment.
P.S. - How many of you tried as a kid to run real fast into a pool to see if you could at least take a couple steps? My hand is up.
