Monday 23rd (Day #17) Reading: Matthew 14:22-36 NT Wright ends his reflection today with these words: “Jesus loves rescuing people, that’s what he came to do.” There’s a man who has started this journey of faith with Jesus in the last few weeks, who comes to our church. To say that he lived an immoral life before coming to know Christ would be a gross understatement. The joy he exudes right now is so thick you can almost reach out and touch it. He’s sharing that faith with everyone in the block of flats where he lives. They don’t believe it’s for real, and they certainly don’t think he can keep this up. But remember yesterday’s reading? How do you know if the seed has truly taken root? By the fruit you see produced, and by that fruit growing. Jesus loved Peter, and so do I. He is the “Jacob” of the New Testament. So undeserving and someone who’s faith you think will never last. So if you feel like Peter today (a failure) or if you know someone who others have written off, then remember two things from this passage: #1. Jesus watches “boats” caught up in storms. He’s praying for those who are struggling to “row their boats to the shore”. He comes to them, walking across the raging seas of adversity, and (as NT Wright reminds us) he speaks the most frequently repeated command in the entire Bible: “Don’t be afraid!” #2. Jesus calls us to step out of our struggling and our fear and walk across the raging seas of adversity with him. Then when we take our eyes off him, and start looking at the raging sea, he reaches out his hand, time and again, and rescues us. So do I believe my new friend will make it? Will I? Do I believe in eternal security? You bet I do – because it doesn’t depend on my friend, or me, or you. It depends on the one who walks on the water, who reaches out to us over and over again. Now stop doubting Peter and remember I’m the Son of the living God, and all who reach out and touch me will be healed, rescued and delivered! A prayer: Jesus, saviour (as your name means), thank you today that you have saved me – that you are saving me – that you will save me.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:46:58 +0000
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