February 14

Matthew 14:22-36 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

V. 27-30
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And 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 and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."

Observation

This is the famous account of Jesus walking on water. This account is also famous because Peter gets to walk on water as well. The dynamics of Jesus' conversation with Peter here is that Jesus insist on reassuring Peter and the disciples and yet Peter refuses to believe. In verse 27, Jesus tells the disciples to "take heart" or in the NIV translation "take courage." Because thus far, this wasn't the first time Jesus had revealed such miracles. Earlier in chapter 14, we learn of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Then, surely the disciples were ready for Jesus' miracles at the most unexpected times and circumstances. Even after Peter asks to join Jesus on the water, he once again allows fear to shadow Jesus. It seems as human doubts and fears gets the best out of Jesus' disciples.

Application

As I get older, I am learning to trust in Jesus in the most unexpected circumstances. This passage is another reminder for me to place my hope and faith on Christ alone! I can always read this passage and think that Peter just didn't know any better. Or I can reassure myself that I would never be as foolish as Peter. And yet, this passage is a reminder of how foolish I am when it comes to trusting in Jesus and His Words. Even when I know and hear in my heart the Lord's voice of His care and love, I tend to ask multiple questions to be reassured of God's promises. I am like a child asking my mom the same questions over and over again just to hear her say "yes Caleb, everything's going to be alright..." And like Peter, I at times feel reassured by my own questions rather than Jesus' reassuring answers. I need to learn of Christ's everlasting love. Meaning, His love and compassion never ends reassuring me that it'll only get better.

Prayer

Gracious Father, teach me today to trust in Your Words and not on my own understandings... I pray that when You call me to simply "come" before You, that I would trust in Your reassuring words and just be obedient. May I not find safety in my words for my words only lead me to anxiety and insecurity. So continue to draw me to Your heart!

--calebskim