When Waves Toss Us About

 N.T.#166 "When Waves Toss Us About"

Oct. 17, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

In spite of His hectic public ministry, Jesus was never too hurried to spend hours in prayer. (Billy Graham) Are we quick to say a prayer in the morning and hastily ask God's blessings on our day. Then we go our own way, doing our own thing. Jesus spent entire night in fervent prayer to God. How different our life would be if we followed His example.

Jesus sent His disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. When they were about 3 miles out, the disciples encountered:

• contrary winds (Contrary means opposite; against; antagonistic.) (verse 24)
• waves tossing the boat about (Subject to distress), maybe water splashing in the boat
• both wind and waves were pushing the boat father and farther from shore and out into open water
• this happening about 3 in the morning (verse 25), dark of the night.

Those guys were at the brink of exhaustion, trying to keep the boat afloat. Several of the guys were fishermen and had experienced it before. Have we all been there. We are fighting to stay afloat in our own boat. Financial problems come, which causes stress of marriages and family situations. Jobs become uncertain with the economy troubled. War in the world is stirring up strife. What are we to do?

How can we not see God and feel loved? The Creator of beauty of fall surrounds us. 

LET IT GROW

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. (verse 25)

In the nick of time, the Savior comes to meet needs. Now the disciples had just seen and experienced the power of God as He multiplied the fish and bread. They saw Him heal the sick. Why did thy not pray to Almighty God to help them amidst their life-threatening situation?

Jesus was aware of His disciples' encounter on the sea. He went to them, got right there in the middle of their problem, walking on the water. (verse 26)

What an unexpected appearance and astonishing occurrence! What a scary time for the guys. The winds was blowing hard causing water to splash into the boat. They were rowing like crazy to stay afloat. No wonder they were troubled (to stir or agitate). Scared out of their wits, they were, when they saw Jesus walking toward them. They cried out in fear that it was a spirit (phantasm), a ghost. 

With tragedy impending, they had thrown their theology overboard. (Swindoll)

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (verse 27)

In the Greek, cheer means to have courage. 

Jesus was there, so don't be afraid in this dangerous situation. Stop fearing, guys! They were not at their ropes' end. The Creator of the wind and water was amongst them. He was going to handle this. (Easy for me to say, huh? I was not there. However, I have been on the Sea of Galilee and a wind came up suddenly, rocking the boat. We were not out very far, so I was not afraid.)

Here is the Great I AM (Exodus 3:14) with the disciples. His reassuring presence and encouraging words should have calmed their hearts. 

Dear friend, just pray. That is our takeaway today. Pray before the castrophy comes, during it, and through it. Have courage, for Jesus is there with us. Invite Him in. He can give us what we need to endure it and survive it, and come out praising God.  

LET IT GO

Jesus, thank You that You have got this!

How grateful we are that You do not leave us nor forsake us!

Give us joy through it all.