Today's Scripture
A Simple Act of Faith – Matthew 14:22-32
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Sue's Devotion
What the passage says
Walking on the Water (The Message)
22 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. 23 With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. 25 At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. 26 They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. 27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” 31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” 32 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down.
What does the passage say to me/us?
In the first two verses, Jesus sets an example for us to follow: “he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray.”(v.23) “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.”(Ps. 23:2-3) To live by faith we must take the time each day to escape from the world and focus on the word of Christ. When Peter kept his eye fixed on Jesus, on his word and his power, he walked on water; when he took notice of the danger around him his fear eroded his faith.
(From The Upper Room) “But we can also learn from Peter’s actions by calling to Jesus. Then, even if we falter as Peter did, we can reach out to the One who walked on the sea and calmed the waters (Matt 8:26) No matter how threatening or confusing our circumstances may become, the good and loving Shepherd knows us and has promised to lead and protect us even when we go through the valley of the shadow of death.
(Ps. 23:4)”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: With Christ, I can face any problem imaginable.
(The Upper Room)
Prayer
Loving Father, who art in heaven. Thank you for sending your son to save us from our sin and to teach us to pray. Guide us to develop and strengthen our focus on you, to spend the time to develop a relationship with you, and to study your word. I pray that we can live by faith and shine your light in all that we do. I ask these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen
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