When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. -John 6:16-21 NRSV
Ever wonder what the message is in passages like this? I mean, what are we to make of Jesus walking on water, calming seas and stopping winds. Perhaps it is simply an illustration of his sovereignty and power over the forces of nature? Or maybe it is an illustration of his desire to save and protect the ones that he dearly loves?
I do wonder what it would have been like to have been in that boat way back then. Struggling with the winds and the waters the disciples look up and see the image of a man walking towards them. I think fear is the normal reaction in times like these. Jesus calming words reminded them, and us today, that we do not have to be afraid when life is treacherous. In such times of trial we can rest in knowing that He is with us and will save us in the end.
Help us to not be afraid Lord Jesus. Teach us to recognize your presence in the storms of life.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
Help me to see you in my storms
ReplyDelete