Extraordinary walk toward Jesus

The fourteenth chapter of Matthew begins by hinting Jesus had less time for himself right after hearing about the painful death of John the Baptist. The chapter mentions Jesus withdrew on hearing the news. People came where Jesus was. He mercifully cared for the needs of the crowd. He fed them. People often take efforts to meet us without knowing our situation. Jesus did what He could for the crowd without hesitation. We serve such a loving God. Our deeds are to match that of Jesus regardless of our situation. 

Matthew 14:28-33 indicates certain facts about extraordinary acts of faith. Jesus made immediate arrangements to pray alone after the crowd received all that they needed. (Matthew 14:22) Jesus prayed alone. (Matthew 14:23) Then (the fourth watch of night), Jesus walked on the sea to join his disciplines on the journey he asked them to do. (Matthew 14:25) If Jesus has sent us to a place, He will join us in His time; in His own way. The passage indicates the need to be ready to welcome Jesus in ways never known before. That is how Jesus is. Jesus convinced the disciples it is Him so that they would no longer be afraid. Jesus was neither angry that his disciples misunderstood Him nor proud about walking on the sea.

Peter wanted to do what he saw Jesus did. There established his extraordinary faith in Jesus. Peter asked Jesus to command him to come to Jesus if it is Jesus on the water. Peter wanted to ensure it is Jesus, and be commanded to go to Jesus; (Matthew 14:28) a confirmation before attempting the most extraordinary act in his life. This reveals we should ask Jesus before attempting an extraordinary act in faith. Ask Jesus for His command. Ask to ensure it is Jesus; not ghosts, not devil. Acting in faith without asking Jesus may have consequences. Peter recieves an answer from Jesus instantly after asking. (Matthew14: 28,29) Their relationship was such. The depth of our relationship with Jesus determines the time needed for answering when we ask Jesus for His command to do an extraordinary act of faith.

Extraordinary action of faith, even with support of Jesus has challenges. Cheer up! Challenges die to those who remain in Christ. The challenge mentioned in Matthew 14:24c became a threat after Peter reached Jesus on the water. It became a threat as Peter feared. This reveals challenge is present from the very beginning when we attempt nearing Jesus. It intends to distract from drawing close to Jesus. And, once we are with Jesus it becomes worst ever threat, terrifying enough to leave Jesus. Peter who was beginning to sink cried to Jesus to save him, instead of ordinarily swimming back to safety, withdrawing from Jesus. (Matthew 14:30) That is extraordinary faith. Jesus silently watched until Peter called Him. Jesus immediately saved Peter. (Matthew 14:31a) Peter asked Jesus for His command. Peter faced deadly challenge. Peter cried to Jesus. What began with Jesus was completed with Jesus. When challenge terrifies, we only have to cry to Jesus who immediately saves us. Note that Jesus will wait for your decision : whether to leave Jesus or to cry to Jesus for His immediate intervention. The Lord always lets us decide, to see our extraordinary faith in Jesus.

Jesus, who knew all what was happening had only one reaction. Jesus, who had authority over everything, reacted only to Peter. Jesus only asked why Peter doubted. (Matthew 14:31b) That is the love of Christ. That is the relationship Christ teaches. A relationship of faith without doubts. A relationship of dependency on Christ when challenges become threats against life. Peter and Jesus got onto the boat. The wind, which challenged, which threatened, ceased. It died down. (Matthew 14:32) Thus arose another testimony. (Matthew 14:33)

Prayer: Lord, We seek your pardon for leaving your Holy presence, fearing challenges. Save us, so we live in you until eternity. Command us for extraordinary acts of faith. Help us depend on you always. Amen.

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