Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Peter Takes a Risk

The Christian Community Comes Alive
Giving Bold Testimony


Peter Takes a Risk

Matthew 14:22-33  The Message

22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
For Reflection 
Peter's faith had limits.  The NIV version translates "Faint-heart" "You of little faith."  In this case "faith" is not a noun, but rather, a verb.  One might advocate that trust be substituted as the active form of the word faith.  Peter trusted the Lord and walked on water until his confidence in that trust eroded. 

How often do we like Peter cry out, "Master save me."  How often do we find our trust in God is limited.  Because of Christ, our trust in God can be radical, irrational, and beyond human imagination. 

Pray
for unlimited radical trust in God to make all things work for good.  Pray for the confidence in God that will free you from fearing the consequence of taking risks for the Kingdom of God.

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