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by Sandy Shaw
We have been reading and studying in Matthew Chapter 14, and looking at the corresponding passage in John Chapter 6, and now we are in the middle of the Lake of Galilee, in a storm, and Jesus comes walking on the water, and calls Peter to come to Him having given reassurance as to who it is. We all need reassurance.
In verse 30, we read of what has been called the failure of faith as Peter saw the consequences of the storm. Peter was suddenly assailed by fear and doubt, and fear engulfed him.
Faith has begun to fail, and doubt has begun to choke faith, and Jesus reaches out to grasp him, and raise him up from his danger.
This is Jesus’ response to weak faith. It is weak faith that needs such signs. At this point Peter’s faith turns weak, and understandably so. Remember Peter is still in the school of discipleship. Peter is still very much under training and instruction, in all areas of life and faith.
We know that Peter took his eyes off the one who was the answer to his difficulties and Peter focused his attention on his difficulties.
Do we not all do this at some time during our lives? He did this physically, and far more importantly – spiritually.
We become so engulfed by the dark clouds of circumstances, and pressures of life, and we become more absorbed with the clouds and pressures and the problems, than the Lord of the clouds and the pressures and the problems.
Robert Murray McCheyne used to say to his people in Dundee, “For every look you take at yourself, take ten looks at Jesus” That is never easy. It is a profound challenge.
This is most certainly a great battle for most of us. Paul used to say and write – “that I may know Him”. This is what Peter is experiencing here.
Jesus restores Peter’s faith, not only here, but later on in Jerusalem, and also by the Lakeside following a night of fruitless fishing. Jesus comes and restores.
Verse 30 – “Lord, save me.” Past experience is not enough for today. What matters is where I am resting my whole being today.
Do not let the clouds and pressures and problems drive you from Christ, but let them drive you closer and closer to Him.
We see some wonderful lessons when we read these verses – things that should be seen in the body of Christ today – in the Church of Jesus Christ – in our lives.
Water walkers face storms, but they do recognise God’s presence.
This incident is not about risk taking, and it is not about acting foolishly. It is about obedience and answering the call of Jesus Christ.
Did Peter fail? No.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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