Nearer, Still Nearer

Nearer, Still Nearer

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Matthew 14:28

While the disciples were in the midst of turbulent, disturbing circumstances, Christ did something miraculous. The passage before us tells us, ‘Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.’  The disciples did not recognize Him until He assured them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ As soon as He said that, Peter responded with the answer we find in our text for today. We see here the heart which Peter had for Christ. In the midst of the most terrifying of circumstances, Peter desired to be closer to Christ. This is the best response any of us could have to adverse circumstances. We will all inevitably encounter situations which, while they may not match this one exactly, are still disturbing and even terrifying. Where are we going to turn in such circumstances? Our sole hope is Christ. Even if drawing near to Christ involves us ‘stepping out of the boat,’ we realize that He is the only one who can do us any real good. By taking stock of the fact that wherever Christ is, is better, we quickly arrive at the conclusion that we want to be near Him, even if that defies the laws of human logic. Peter, of all the twelve disciples was the only one to make such a request and to take such a step. No matter where you find yourself today, even in the midst of adverse circumstances, let your cry be, ‘Nearer, still nearer.’ Christ will not deny you.

Our Loving and Gracious Savior,
we praise You that even in the worst of our circumstances,
You are still our God.
We rejoice that You open Your arms to receive us
when we most desire to be near You.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning