Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special ones.
I need to keep moving. We’d like to take in some workshops at the Mission Connexion Northwest.
Much of the following was composed in 2000 when we were stationed in Vanuatu. But I still resonate with the ideas. I still look forward to jog-trolling.
Blessings on your day.
Love, Dad/Ray
21 January
Passage: Matthew 14:13-36
Focus: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33
Terrific! The disciples are finally getting the picture. The last storm they were in with Jesus, they wondered who in the world He was as He demonstrated such supernatural power and control over the elements (Matthew 8:27). Now He not only miraculously calms the wind and waves, but comes to them miraculously walking on the water. “And when he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” That He is God (or the Son of God—all the same according to many other scriptures) really is an important deduction to make
The disciples are finding out that doing the abnormal is very normal for Jesus—which is very normal if you’re God. They could hardly keep up with the revelation unfolding before them. He’s been healing all the sick, even raising dead people back to life, and expelling demons with a word. That very day (or the day before) He had miraculously multiplied a little lunch to feed “about five thousand men, besides women and children.” And now this!—walking up to them on a stormy sea in the middle of the night. He scares them out of their wits (which I’m convinced He rather enjoys doing—in fact, I think He had to resist the urge to go, “Ooooooooo”) and offers another profound evidence as to Who He is.
Question: Why did Peter want to jump out of the boat and walk on the water? I suppose we could come up with lots of ideas. But one of the best reasons I can think of is, JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT. I can only imagine that it would be a real thrill to defy natural laws and do what you’ve never been able to do before—that no one else can do. That’s just plain fun! Lesson: God is not opposed to your doing things just for the fun of it—as long as your primary focus is maintained on Him.
Another question: Why did Jesus get into the boat? One thing for sure—anyone who walks on water sure doesn’t need a boat! Man, if I could do that I could go out every morning jogging—and trolling at the same time! (Can you imagine?—“Hey!—I caught a 30 pound wahoo while jogging this morning!”) The only reason I can think of for Jesus getting into the boat is FELLOWSHIP. It can be kind of lonely out there walking on water and doing all those supernatural miraculous things that no one else can do, and no one to share it with. Lesson: The Supernatural God is interested in fellowshipping with you in and through the natural course of your life. He may not take you walking with Him on the water, but He’ll walk (or ride) with you down the road of your life—if you want Him to. One of the wonderful benefits of this arrangement can be gleaned from the kid’s song: “With Christ in my vessel I can smile at the storm…as we go sailing home.”