Living in the Spirit
August 10, 2014
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ — Matthew 14:28-33
At first, the disciples thought they were seeing things. Peter in all of his bravado challenges the apparition, “Prove yourself!” and Jesus did. Even then Peter’s fear got the better of him.
When listening to sportscasters talking about rookies, they will often say, “He is an amazing athlete, has a great work ethic, but lacks the confidence to trust himself to use his talents and his training.” Peter lacked the confidence to take the winning shot and thus he passed the ball back to Jesus. The problem with that is there might not be enough seconds left in the game for the star to take the shot.
Jesus was preparing his disciples for life after his death. They needed to be able to sail through wind and waves, if the good news he was asking them to spread to the ends of the earth reached its destination. He was transitioning them from being dependent on his physical presence and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit as their guide, comforter, and advocate.
We now live in the age of this Advocate as we face the winds and waves of the world beating against the way that Jesus taught and lived. Our confidence rest in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ as manifested in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is saying “I’ve got your back, take the shot.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit breathe on me
Till I am all Thine own
Until my will is lost in Thine
To live for Thee alone.* Amen.