Sometimes, the story in today’s gospel lesson is interpreted along the lines of the title of a book by
John Ortberg: “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat.” Peter had the right idea when he got out of the boat, quite literally stepping out in faith. He, like all of us, is invited to step out into the storms of life, where Jesus calls us to take courage, to leave the safety of the boat, and to come to him. The message is that if we have enough faith in Jesus and keep our focus firmly on him, we will surely not sink, despite the wind and the waves. If only Peter hadn’t become distracted - because when he kept his eyes on Jesus, he could walk on water. However, when he got anxious and side-tracked from keeping his focus on Jesus, Peter started to sink into the water. Jesus wants us to be bold in our faith. Jesus wants us to jump out of the boat, walk on water, dream big, take risks in our lives. And if we can just be faithful enough, we will succeed. In current terminology, “walking on water” has come to be synonymous, even outside of the church, with the idea of stepping out in boldness, taking a risk. I have no doubt that Jesus wants us to take risks for the sake of the gospel, because he’s the one who told some simple fishermen to leave everything to follow him. I have no doubt that Jesus wants us to keep our eyes focused on him and his mission, because he’s the one who reminded his followers, in Matthew 19:26, by saying “With God, all things are possible.” I have no doubt he wants us to utilise the gift of faith that has been bestowed on us, because he’s the one who tells us to take up our cross, even to lose our lives for his sake and, that if we have faith even the size of a mustard seed, we could say to that mountain, “Get up and move” and it would. When the resurrected Jesus stepped out of the tomb that first Easter morning, he really outdid himself in thinking “outside of the square,” didn’t he! No doubt, Jesus wants us to take risks, be bold, do outrageous things for the gospel, step out in faith and follow him. But I wonder if that’s the only thing that Jesus wants us to hear in this particular gospel lesson? In fact, the same account in Mark and John doesn’t mention Peter trying to walk on water and Luke doesn’t mention this story at all. Much of Matthew’s gospel is focussed on what it means to be a community. He’s interested in figuring out what it means to be the church, the gathering of people who are trying to follow Christ together. In today’s lesson, Jesus makes the disciples get into a boat and head out across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus said he would meet up with them again, but first he was going to take some time, by himself, to pray. Unfortunately for the disciples, a storm blows up, as storms sometimes do in our lives, and Jesus doesn’t wait for them to get safely to the other side. Instead, he comes to them, walking across the water. The boat has, from very early days in the Christian community, been a symbol for the church. Think of a boat as large enough to take a number of people, doing a number of tasks, to make it move. A boat is a great symbol for the church. We know that sailing through calm waters on a gorgeous sunny day can be exhilarating. When wind and water and sailors cooperate, the journey is grand. Sometimes, though, the weather doesn’t always do what the sailors want. And then there’s Peter. While we usually just skip right to impetuous, enthusiastic Peter, faithfully thinking outside the square, jumping overboard and pulling off an amazing stunt, if even just for a moment, what Peter actually does first, is say something. He says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” There are only a couple of other times in the whole gospel when someone addresses Jesus with “if” and it’s not normally a happy ending. The devil does it three times to Jesus when he tempts him in the desert, “If you are the Son of God,” make stones into bread, call down special privileges from God, worship me. When hanging on the cross, people mock Jesus, calling out, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” And here, Peter, beautiful, real Peter, joins this voice, “If it is you, Jesus, command me to come to you on the water.” Now, Jesus doesn’t chide Peter for being afraid. Naturally it’s ok to be afraid in the midst of a storm. Instead he asks “Why do you doubt? Do you really think I wouldn’t come? Do you really think I wouldn’t save you? Do you really think, when I told you to get into the boat and go on ahead, that I would ever leave you alone?” Matthew’s whole gospel ends with the resurrected Jesus appearing to the disciples. The resurrected Christ himself appears where he said he would meet them. And Matthew tells us, “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” Some doubted. Even then. Even with the risen Jesus standing right in front of them. Yes, they worshiped - but some doubted. Luckily, that’s not where our story for today ends. Even in the midst of their worship, even to those who doubt, Jesus gives a command and a promise. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” The promise is: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Storms will certainly blow up at some time in our lives – for example, the COVID 19 virus that’s devastating the world at this time. Fortunately, we know that Jesus hasn’t left us alone. He told us so. The one who calms the storms and makes the winds to cease, is still with us. He still has work for us to do. And yes, it’ll mean us jumping out in faith, but not going it alone - keeping our eyes firmly on Jesus. The purpose of a boat is to set sail, not to stay at the dock. A wise friend of mine says: “God is like your rudder in life, but if your boat’s not moving, the rudder can’t steer it.” There are plenty of adventures ahead for us and Jesus bids us to follow him. And he’ll say to us, in the midst of our storms, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” So, let’s go wherever God sends us and let us not be afraid to jump towards him when times get tough. Prayer: We might get tossed about a bit today, for we’re called to place ourselves in a rocking boat, on churning seas and yet we should not be afraid but seek salvation by taking a big risk. Let us care for each other as we sail on. May the compassion of God be in our hearts, the saving grace of Christ keep us safe and strong and the wisdom and gifting of the Holy Spirit be upon our lips and in all we do. Amen. Blessings on your journey…………..Pastor Rick
1 Comment
Beryl Blok
7/8/2020 08:21:08 pm
Dear Rick,
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