Joe's Journal
August 8, 2008

"Jesus Took Peter by the Hand" by Robin Jensen

This Sunday we turn our attention to the story of Christ walking on water, coming to the Apostles in the middle of the night as an adverse wind hinders their journey to “the other side of the sea.”   In the midst of the tumult, they believe the figure walking on the water to be a ghost.  But Jesus reassures them saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”   (Cont'd.) Peter responds by saying, “If it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus calls him to come, and Peter gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water.  After a few steps however, things get dicey and Peter begins to sink.  He cries out to Christ, “Save me!”  Jesus immediately grabs him and says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Jesus’ question calls forth a number of questions for me.  Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?  It strikes me as a bit harsh.  After all, it takes quite a bit of faith to get out of a perfectly good boat in the middle of rough seas and walk on the waves, if only for a few steps, doesn’t it?  I don’t know that I would have the faith to do such a thing.  Why the rebuke?  

Apparently it’s hard for Peter to discern whether or not it’s Jesus out there on the water.  How do we recognize Christ in the midst of the storms?  Must we sometimes take steps that seem crazy in order to discover Christ in the midst of life’s chaos?  Might it take more faith to stay in the boat?  

These are some of the questions will be considering this Sunday.  Hope to see you there.  

In Christ, Joe  

PS—We are producing a DVD for the Capital Campaign as well as a general information DVD for visitors.  This Sunday they will be taping at the 10:50 worship service.  All are encouraged to sit on the lower level so the sanctuary feels nice and full for the taping.  Hope to see you Sunday!