Invited to Come
Matthew 14:22-36;
Psalm 65
"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. ...God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer."
(Psalm 66:16, 19)
I was in a replica first-century boat on the Sea of Galilee. With the waves of this ancient lake gently lapping against the vessel, I imagined the night when Jesus walked on these waters, churning and stormy. I'm not surprised that with their boat heaving back and forth and a "ghost" walking towards them, the disciples were afraid. But then they heard the familiar voice of Jesus calling: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." What must they have thought?
And what of Peter's reply: "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." I wonder if he anticipated hearing, "Come!" Did he consider the storm before he climbed out of the boat?
Responding to Jesus' invitation to "come" was an instant faith-developer for Peter - as it is for us. What is Jesus calling us into? No matter what it is, or what fearful storm it is wrapped in, remember when Jesus says "come," He will always be watching and holding us up. Knowing that, are you ready to grow? Then step out of the boat and come to Him!
INSIGHT
Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Come down. I must stay at your house today." Zacchaeus obeyed and found Jesus to be his Savior. (Luke 19)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Deuteronomy 19-20
Psalm 89
Acts 13
Matthew 14:22-36;
Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It’s a ghost!"
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don’t be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here![b]"
28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
29 "Yes, come," Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 14:25 Greek In the fourth watch of the night.
b. Matthew 14:27 Or The ‘I Am’ is here; Greek reads I am. See Exod 3:14.
c. Matthew 14:30 Some manuscripts do not include strong.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 65
For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David.
1 What mighty praise, O God,
belongs to you in Zion.
We will fulfill our vows to you,
2 for you answer our prayers.
All of us must come to you.
3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,
you forgive them all.
4 What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What festivities await us
inside your holy Temple.
5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
6 You formed the mountains by your power
and armed yourself with mighty strength.
7 You quieted the raging oceans
with their pounding waves
and silenced the shouting of the nations.
8 Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy.
9 You take care of the earth and water it,
making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,
for you have ordered it so.
10 You drench the plowed ground with rain,
melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
and bless its abundant crops.
11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
and the hillsides blossom with joy.
13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
and the valleys are carpeted with grain.
They all shout and sing for joy!
BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE [PART 5]
with Laura Story
Most people are blind to at least some of God's blessings in their lives, but it doesn't have to stay that way. There is one simple thing you can do to help you see your life through God's eyes.
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