Everytime I read the account of Peter joining Jesus and walking on water I get something new and different.
"Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea." - Matthew 14:22-25 ESV
A 'long way' is polys (Strong's G4183) stadion (Strong's G4712). A stadion is about 200 yards away. So Jesus was far up and far away but came because the wind 'was against them'.
Maybe the disciples thought, 'Jesus is up far away on that mountain praying while we are battling to make progress.'
This next passage talks about Jesus present ministry as a intercessor...
"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." - Hebrews 7:25 ESV
He is up high and far away but in a moment He can walk up on the sea. The wind that resists us and hinders our progress does not hinder His progress as He bridges that far distance to get to us.
"But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' " - Matthew 14:26-30 ESV
What a picture of divine enablement. I don't know this doctrine as I ought to.
"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret." - Matthew 14:31-34 ESV
No wind. No distance.
--
No comments:
Post a Comment