Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
March 15, 2022
Read Matthew 14:22-33
22 Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go-ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. 23 When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land. 25 Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. 27 Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind settled down. 33 Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”
Good Morning, Trust in God!
How many times do you read a favorite book, watch a favorite movie or TV show, or listen to a favorite song? Why do we repeat what we’ve already done? We reread, rewatch, or relisten for many reasons. For me, there is comfort in engaging with something I know. Think for a moment of those children’s books with covers tattered and torn from reading and holding them night after night. As a child, I loved Christmas With the Chipmunks, and this love followed me into adulthood. As our technology changed, I wore out records, cassettes, and finally a CD. Singing with Alvin, Theodore, and Simon always makes me smile. “I still want a hula-hoop.” in my best Alvin imitation.
Another reason that I revisit those books, movies, and songs is that I am trying to figure out a missing piece. Did I misread a passage or did the author leave room for me to interpret for myself? When I read the Bible, I find that God opens me to find new meaning as I am ready to hear it. Each reading allows me to focus on the intricacies woven into the text.
This morning we have a passage to which I referred in recent weeks. This past Sunday I shared the need for us to take time to rest and time alone with our God. In the opening of this passage, Jesus is taking time away from the crowds and away from His disciples to rest and commune with His Father. It is easy to skim over that part as we dive into the meatier part of the story.
I view Peter as a manifestation of our human frailty. First, he is scared by what he sees because he “knows” that Jesus walking on water is impossible. Wouldn’t we have the same questions? In today’s lens, we would likely say the video was edited or photoshopped and it would most likely go viral.
Next, Peter tests Jesus to determine his authenticity. Again, in today’s world of scams and misinformation, this makes sense. Now, this is not to say that it is okay to actually test our Lord and Savior, but it is okay to ask questions. In this case, Jesus allows Peter to continue and plays the game with him.
Then, Peter, by stepping out of the boat, shows great faith. Ask yourself if you could take even that first step. Peter steps out and takes a few steps. Amazing! Can we really chastise him for losing faith? Wouldn’t our brains kick in and say, “What!?!?, wait a minute, what am I doing?” Of course, when he loses focus and his faith falters, Peter begins to sink and Jesus saves him.
Jesus rebukes him, but he still loves him and doesn’t give up on him. Likewise, Jesus loves us and continues to be with us even when we have doubts, even when we have questions, and even when we lose faith or stray from our path. Remember, Jesus loves us “No Matter What!” Praise our mighty and loving God. Despite our mistakes and our human frailty, God promises to be with us always. Rejoice in the knowledge that each time you return to the Bible, you will glean new wisdom as you grow in your faith. God will meet us wherever we are with whatever we need at that moment.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. We understand why Peter would begin to sink because we too struggle with our faith especially when things seem impossible. Thank you for being patient with us and always loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I read the Bible, God meets me in the word.
What a mighty God we serve! Pastor Liz
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