"Take Courage, Be Not Afraid"

May 27, 2013

“Take Courage, Be Not Afraid”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading?

Matthew 14:22-33
Mark 6:45-52
John 6:16-21


pastedGraphic
Give heed to the truths that we learn.

Jesus: - needed time with Father
  • went to the mountain alone to pray
  • saw what was happening to disciples...straining at the oars...intended to pass them by
  • joined the disciples late at night
  • was not inhibited by the “natural” state of water
  • encouraged disciples to “fear not”
  • commanded Peter to come to Him upon Peter’s request
  • why do you doubt?
  • I hear a chuckle in Jesus’ voice…”you of little faith…”
  • enters boat with them
  • upon entering, the boat was immediately at the land to which they were going!
  • wind stops...wonder what the source of the wind had been...I suspect the evil one.

Disciples:
  • battered
  • struggling against contrary winds
  • still awake in the middle of the night
  • terrified, thought they were seeing a “ghost”
  • believed in ghost and the like
  • worshipped Jesus…”You are certainly God’s Son”
  • had not gained insight from the incident of the loaves, their hearts were hardened - hummm

Peter:
  • did he believe it was the Lord?
  • “If it is you?”...was he seeking to verify? Was he wanting to “do what Jesus did’?
  • boldly walked in obedience to the Lord...out of boat, walked on water, came toward Jesus
  • But, he took his eyes off of the Lord.
  • Why? He saw the wind. One cannot “see the wind”, but we can see the effect of the wind...tossing waves, perhaps a wave blocked his view of Jesus. So often we forget that it was not a tranquil night. The sea would have been white-capped.
  • Frightened
  • Sinking
  • Crying out
  • Rescued by Jesus

Sounds like many of us so often…
Frightened
Sinking
Crying out

The Lord is our source of rescue.
The Lord is our provision.

So many “small miracles” that often go unnoticed...the boat immediately on the other side, the wind stopping, etc. Watch for these.

Notice how Jesus encouraged them, “take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”
We can do all thing when our eyes are upon the Lord.
Take courage.
Be not afraid.