In the middle of the storm

arquiatra (53)in #christianity • 7 years ago

Matthew 14: 22-33
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

The reading describes a dark storm night with strong winds, waves that crashed furiously against the small boat, had little visibility. For the disciples, who were in that boat, the situation had reached crisis proportions - and Jesus was not with them. While they were struggling with the dreadful weather, He was on the mountainside praying. Can you imagine this scene?

In the midst of this storm, perhaps the disciples thought that Jesus had forgotten them. However, He knew exactly where they were and what they were experiencing. Although we can not see Jesus physically, He is omniscient. He can identify where we are at any moment. No darkness can hide us; No judgment can hide his vision. We are always seen, known and understood! Jesus left the place of prayer where he was and looked for the disciples. And you know ... He will do the same for us.
However, the Disciples did not recognize Him because He went to them walking on the water and this is something totally unexpected. This teaches us that Jesus often does not come the way we expect. Our preconceived ideas about how He works can cause us to wonder where He might be and the darkness of our thoughts can blind us in such a way as to prevent us from seeing Him; but let us be sure that He is at our side.

I have found in my life that experiencing the presence of Jesus in difficult times can teach us precious truths that strengthen our faith. The Bible tells us that during an earlier adventure at sea, the disciples had observed both Jesus' trust in God and his authority over nature (Matthew 8: 23-26). In the storm he had previously told, the disciples saw the Lord walking on the water - and they saw one of their own doing it too. Peter hurried after the Lord and although he walked for a moment, doubt seized him and threatened to sink him, but there was Jesus. Through the storms, the disciples learned who Jesus was, what he could do and what his potential was.

That same learning is for us today. When the agitation comes into our lives, let us ask that the spiritual eyes discern the presence of the Lord. Then we will hear His voice and all we have to do is obey it (John 10:27).

#christian-tail #religion #english

7 years ago in #christianity by arquiatra (53)

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arquiatra (53) 7 years ago

thank you very much

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