Walking on the Water

Walking on the Water

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Matthew 14:29

History recounts that only two people have ever walked on water.  We magnify the One because He performed the miracle.  We denigrate the other for being rash, foolish and inconsiderate.  However, Christ did not berate Peter for his request to come to Him upon the water.  There are, in Peter’s behavior that night, some valuable lessons for us.

One lesson is that Peter received Christ’s words.  When Christ appeared, declaring “Be of good cheer; it is I be not afraid,” Peter believed Him.  Moreover, he took those words as being personally applicable.  He was also prepared to give a ready response.  Are we as receptive to Christ’s words to us?  Do we so personally take them to heart?  Are we ready to respond as Peter was?

Peter also looked to Christ’s Person.  He looked to Christ with love, wanting to be near Him and like Him.  He looked to Christ in hope, the hope that Christ would direct him to come.  He looked to Christ in faith, believing that He could and would uphold him on the water.  Do you thus look to Christ?

Peter next stepped out at Christ’s command.  It did not matter to him that no one else did.  Nor did it initially matter what else was happening around him.  What did matter was that Christ had bid him ‘come.’  So it should be with us.  Regardless of what others are doing (or not doing); regardless of the circumstance; if Christ has spoken to us then let us step forth to go to Him.

Finally, Peter walked as Christ walked.  It was a miraculous walk, for Christ upheld him.  It was a remarkable walk, for others observed it.  It was a memorable walk, for others recorded it.  It was a safe walk, for as long as he looked to Christ, he walked well.  It was a Christ-like walk, for Christ was there.  Whatever brief lapses Peter may have had later, for that time he did what no other mere human has ever done.  Would to God that we might, in spiritual terms, do the same, as Christ upholds us.

O Savior and Lord,

uphold us today

in the walk of faith.

Keep us from refusing to

take the true steps of faith.

Where the Bush is Burning

Tomm Tice