Living in the Spirit
August 12, 2017
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
–Matthew 14:22-27
Time alone with God is important for everyone including Jesus. There is a scene in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar where the crowds are grasping at him barely allowing him to move. I cannot remember which song the cast was singing, Superstar maybe; but it gave me a moment of understanding his ministry on earth. The gospels often describe him as being in crowds seeking him. I am sure his time spent with his disciples was special, and he still needed to withdraw from them.
Our world is a scary place right now. Not so much from outside forces terrorizing us but from our anemic responses. We shake in our boots because we have forgotten whose we are. We need to withdraw to a quiet place ourselves, give all our fears to God breathing in the words below of the Psalmist and breathing out all that is holding us back from being fully God’s instrument of love.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’ (Matthew 46:10)
I never know what to think about supernatural events; even ones I have experienced or witnessed. So, I have no explanation of the story of Jesus walking on water. Apparently, Jesus took for granted Philippians 4:13 before it was even written, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Wise counsel for us today.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen us to do the many things within our grasp to be the Body of Christ in our fractured world stepping out in the faith you will make us conduits of your love in all situations. Amen.