Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 4, 2022
Read: Matthew 14:22-31
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?”
Good morning! Trust in the Lord with all your heart!
I have read and examined this passage many times. This morning I want to focus on Jesus coming to his disciples in need. The disciples were on this boat, and the boat was being tossed around in the strong winds. Several of the disciples were fishermen by trade, and most likely had previously encountered bad weather while on the water.
Nowhere in this part passage does it talk about the disciples being scared or worried. This only happens when they see the “ghost” walking towards them. Now, this is one of two different events involving the disciples and Jesus on a boat with rough winds. The first was when Jesus was sleeping on the front of the boat and the disciples woke him because they were scared of sinking. Then this one where Jesus comes to them.
In neither passage, do the disciples ask for help from Jesus. I find that fascinating! In the passage with Jesus sleeping, they woke Jesus and asked him if he cared that they were about to die, but they didn’t ask Jesus to save them. In today’s passage, did they think that because they were experienced sailors that they didn’t need help?
Perhaps we too have times when we don’t ask Jesus to help us. Maybe we don’t ask because we think that we are in control, or maybe we don’t ask because we think we are unsavable. Jesus is always by our side and ready to help us through our greatest challenges. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness and surrender ourselves to him. When we develop a relationship with Christ and focus on him, we will find the peace and grace that we seek.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You are always here. It seems that we lose focus on You when we are struggling. Help us to reach out and accept your help. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How will I keep my life focused on Christ today?
Jesus is waiting to hear from us! Pastor Liz
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