Hide and Go Seek Blog

“As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come ahead.”" (Matthew 14:22-33 MSG)

Nothing was out of the ordinary. The disciples had proceeded across the Sea of Galilee to the other side in order that they could prepare for ministry again the next day. They were simply following their teacher’s instructions as they started across, well into the night. They thought everything was going according to plan. They were in a situation that their master had put them. They acted in obedience, they weren’t afraid of anything, because they trusted Jesus, they trusted the calm of the Sea, they trusted the boat they were in, they trusted the skill of the people directed the boat along its course to their destination. They were comfortable with the way things were going, nothing was out of the ordinary. Nothing was wrong, in fact so much was right. They were in line with their Rabbi, their God and their plans. Everything was right. They were doing exciting ministry. They didn’t even fully understand how cutting edge they were in their faith and their obedience to Jesus. And in a second that all changed. In a single moment, there was a massive gap between where they were, and true faith-filled obedience. The movement they recognized Jesus walking on the waves, smoothly gliding to the other shore wasn’t quite enough. Yet, Peter was the only one to recognize it. In that moment, where he was wasn’t close enough to Christ anymore. Simply, because it wasn’t as close as possible. So, there was a decision to be made. Do I leave the comfort of this ship, the safety I have in this place, to go and be closer to Jesus. I’m confident in where I am. I know that this ship, if it maintains it’s present pace and condition, will arrive when and where I want it to. I am secure here, because I know that I’m wanted and respected and required in this place among my friends. So, am I willing to leave all of that, to risk on Jesus? Do I know it’s really him? How do I know that I won’t be leaving to my death among the waves? What if I lose my friends and all that I’m leaving behind, if only because I look stupid doing what I’m thinking about doing? What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough to be supported on the water? What if I’m not the one Christ wants? I bet he’d rather have John come to him. He loves John so much. Is this worth it?
I don’t think it’s much support to Peter, that thousands of years later, the fact that he began to sink in the waves still discredits him amoung Christians. Don’t you hate when your friends don’t let you forget your most embarrasing moments? But the truth is, for that moment in time, where he was wasn’t close enough for Peter. Removing the space between Christ and himself was worth the risk.

Your going along just fine. You’re comfortable in your situation. You have safety and security. I know when and where things will take place. I have the confidence of the people around me. In fact, all I’m doing is what Christ told me to do in the first place. I’m just following instructions. And yet, in one moment, when Christ appears, and asks me to leave a situation behind in order to follow him in a new direction, is it worth the risk? And I willing to follow? There are no guarantees*. It is worth leaving a situation behind, maybe a loved one, maybe a job, maybe an opportunity, in order to see what Christ will do if you have the faith to get out of the boat?

* “Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 b cf. Deuteronomy. 31:6)

, Chad