Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SWIM (07/21/22)
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TITLE: Go Jump in The Lake | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
07/27/22 -
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The Lord set the stage by sending the disciples out ahead of Him in a boat. It became dark and the disciples were experiencing strong winds that battered the boat. It was then that they saw Jesus coming towards them, WALKING across the surface of the water.
Some of the disciples were commercial fishermen. A permeating superstition among seamen of that period in human history held, that when a boat was about to sink, the souls of sailors that had previously been lost at sea, would appear to the ones in present jeopardy.
We do not know if any of the disciples were among those who believed this superstition, but if they did, the appearance of a figure walking towards them in their situation would have contributed to the level of fear that “terrified” them (Matt. 14: 26 NASB).
The Lord identified Himself, and told them not to fear; even though He did not (yet) calm the wind or the raging sea.
(It was not until after their divine purpose had been served that Jesus calmed the sea and brought the disciples safely to shore.)
While the wind was still howling, Peter called out and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water (Matt. 14: 28 NASB),” to which the Lord responded, “Come (Matt. 14: 29 NASB).”
Peter stepped out of the boat, and began WALKING across the surface of the water towards Jesus.
It is interesting to note that Peter did not try to swim out to Jesus. Attempting to swim in a wind-tossed and dark sea, would be challenging enough, but Peter was inspired to walk!
With faith, the impossible can become possible, p-r-o-v-i-d-i-n-g it is God’s will (1).
Note that Peter made certain that he had God’s endorsement before stepping out of the boat. He did not assume that because he was a follower of Christ that he could embrace risky activity and not suffer any consequences.
Fear can pull the rug out from under us, bringing what could have been a great accomplishment to a screeching halt. Furthermore, “…without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11: 6 NASB).”
Shortly after beginning his walk, that required a tremendous amount of faith to accomplish, Peter became frightened and began to sink, calling out to the Lord to save him from drowning.
Forgive me, but I can’t help but think that at least some of the disciples might have found some private satisfaction when Peter had to be rescued.
Sad to say, but there are those in every congregation who live to see the day when the advancing disciples among them are taken down a few pegs by personal or familial failure.
At least give Peter (and such believers) credit for having had the intestinal fortitude to step out in faith, while their critics remained in the relative comfort zone of the boat.
. . .
Jonah wanted no part in the assignment he had been given by the Lord. Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the Lord (as if that were possible) via a boat, that soon afterwards, encountered a storm at sea. He was eventually thrown overboard, and found himself drowning in the raging sea. He too, had to be rescued and be returned to active service by the hand of God (2).
Our human skills and abilities, or lack thereof, can provide or limit the means that we have tou accomplish much in the natural realm.
If we are to stay afloat in the midst of the storms of life (3), we must learn and make use of (4) the different strokes (Bible Doctrines) that each situation requires.
Some scenarios call for treading water (5) as we resist the devil (6), whereas other scenarios will call for a more assertive action, as we battle with the Eph. 6: 12 enemy.
In all cases, we are to function with the inexhaustible and enabling power (7) that God supplies, if we are to avoid the need for a life-saving rescue.
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(1) Matt. 19: 26/Luke 22: 42/2Cor. 12: 8 (2) Jonah 1 (3) Matt. 7: 24 – 27 (4) James 1: 22 (5) Psalms 46: 10 (6) James 4: 7 (7) John 15: 5.
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