BID ME COME!

 

Sunday, January 5, 2025

 

BID ME COME!

 

Matt 14:26-29

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come.

 

          We read this usually without the element of the supernatural. We’ve become too familiar with it, I think. Peter is, among other things, one of the most honest men you will find in the Bible. He speaks his mind even when it is not fully functional. Here we see him reveal himself once again.

 

          He was afraid! What he was seeing was not possible even on a smooth sea. Unbelievable things are frightening. The Jesus that he walked with every day was much like himself, but THIS Jesus was otherworldly. This Jesus was Godlike, and it terrified him.

 

          He listened carefully! In verse 27 the Godlike Jesus speaks peace to the very human disciples. Peter listened carefully to what He said. “Be of good cheer” is the Greek tharseo and means “to have courage.” Next Jesus confirms His identity. “It is I, your eyes are not deceiving you.”

 

          He doubted! Peter asked for a confirmation equally as impossible as his vision. If this is real, then I should be able to walk on the water as well. Whatever deficiencies Peter may have had, boldness was not one of them. He challenged his own doubt and fear with an incredible plan to reassure himself.

 

          He took action! When Jesus, probably with a smile, said “COME”, Peter was forced to act upon his own challenge. This is what true faith really looks like. James said: “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18

 

          These are frightening times! We can hardly believe our eyes at times. We doubt and are afraid. These are the times we need to listen carefully to Jesus. We need to be adventurous regarding our faith. He who does not try does not accomplish anything and if we begin to sink the hand of Jesus is there to rescue us.

 

Dear Lord, let me doubt my doubts and trust you for the challenges of today. AMEN