Friday, September 12, 2014
Matthew 14:28-31 And 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 and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
IMMEDIATELY
The disciples thought Him a ghost walking toward them over the waves. Jesus spoke reassuring words to them. But Peter wanted something more. He wanted Jesus to hold him up on the water, too. "If it is you ..."
Jesus knew of Peter's instability, but simply said, "Come," and Peter clambered out of the boat, walking on the water toward Jesus. Then realizing how strong the wind was, he feared and began to sink. At least he no longer seemed to doubt that it was his Lord, for he cried out "Lord, save me!"
It is not hard to identify with Peter, is it? We, too, at times face troubles so great that we don't see how the Lord can help us out of them. And if we concentrate on the troubles, they get stronger and stronger the longer we fix our gaze on them. Perhaps we can even feel ourselves sinking. May we then cry out, not "if it is you," but "Lord, save me" and behold how swift He is to reach out His hand and hold us again. Yes, Jesus chides Peter for his doubts, but first and immediately He takes hold to save him. He is "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
