The disciples were on a boat in the middle of the sea of Galilee. It was a stormy night and the waves were crashing violently against their boat. They were scared and petrified , worrying about their safety. They sure thought they were going to die. Then one of the disciples spotted a human figure in the distance. They were even more petrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost. They began to scream in horror. What they did not realize was that the human figure was Jesus walking towards them on the turbulent waters. But then Jesus yelled at them, “Do not fear.. it is me!” Then Peter spoke up and yelled back: “Rabbi, if it is really you , allow me to come to you!”
How did Jesus respond back to Peter? Jesus said :
a. “Don’t come! It’s too dangerous! Let me go to you!”
b. “Are you sure? Look around you! Are you certain you will not sink and drown?”
c. “Wait! Let me come to you first and then we can walk together back to the boat!.”
d . None of the above.
The correct answer is d. None of the above.
Jesus responded with one simple word: “Come!”
(Matthew 14:22-33)
What does that mean? It simply means that Jesus was actually encouraging Peter to take a leap of faith , step out of the boat, stand on the violent water , and walk towards Jesus. No “ifs or buts”. Just “Come!” Quite a bold thing to say to a limited, sinful, human being. Why would Jesus tell a simple man to walk on water? Only a divine being could possible do that. But Jesus told Peter to take that dangerous step for one reason. Because it was possible. But it was possible only if Peter would have kept his focus on Jesus.
But as soon as Peter took his eyes away from Jesus and focused more on his surroundings, he began to sink. The rest is history .
Jesus gave simple commands. Love one another. Turn the other cheek. Walk the extra mile. Make peace. Forgive.
And on the passage above, he gave another simple command. “Come!” Are we to make excuses for not following Jesus ‘s simple commands? If we don’t keep our focus on Him, we begin to sink.
If you have read this far, I thank you for your time. This post was not meant to be another religious preaching message. It is simply a reminder that we need to focus on our life goals, instead on the negative circumstances that limit us . Jesus was and is a prime example of how we can do “the impossible.” He believed that Peter could have walked on the water towards him. He also believes we can love our neighbors, turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, make peace, and forgive. If not, he would not have commanded us to do these things, and more.
So if you feel the urge or the calling to do good , simply take the step. Jesus believes in you.
Let us be Frank 