Living in the Spirit

August 12, 2023

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

I must say, I cannot envision the Jesus in my head making anybody do anything. Thus, the phrase Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side leaves me a little stumped. Perhaps his introverted side was saying I must have some time alone. However, He did command the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more after saving her life. (John 8:1-11) So there is at least one other instance of Jesus ordering someone to do something. As I think about it, I have indeed moved forward doing something because I thought God wanted me to do it when I did not want to do it.

I also think Jesus had a purpose for everything he did. He was, after all, role modeling for all of us.  I was surprised by my reaction to all the hubbub about the Supreme Court judges being criticized for doing things that, for any other federal judge, would be against ethical rules. Supreme Court judges have no ethical rules and do not think they need them, which is ironic for judges to think they are above needing laws. That is probably the first sign that they do need them. What bothered me is that they did not think they needed to set an example for all people regarding ethical behavior.

Prayer: Lord, help us remember every child who watches how we treat others. Help us model your love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.