3.3.2015 Tuesday of Lent 2 Mark 6:35-56 Jesus walks on the
water
Jesus walks on water
The disciples were terrified. If the
rough waters and the strain of keeping the boat afloat were not enough, there
was this presence, this vision, this ghost-like figure walking across the sea.
Their fear only grew; they could understand the feelings of the psalmist in
Psalm 69:1-2…“Save me, O God, for the
waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no
foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.”
Jesus had sent them out, while He
attended to the crowds. Now He was walking to them. Why was He walking on the
waves? Was He coming to pass them by or to confront them? Had He come save or
destroy?
In the midst of their struggles, efforts,
and tussles Jesus calls out to them. Take
heart. It is I. Do not be afraid! Take
courage, says Jesus. I have not come
to condemn. I am…God. Let me comfort you. Notice how the disciples interact
with Jesus. Peter says; since you are…God…bid me to come to You. And isn’t this
what we pray for in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy
Kingdom Come” We pray, let me reign with you too! This is a confession and
the voice of faith. And Jesus always acts kindly to those who respond in
faith…little though it be.
Notice, Jesus still has a hold of Peter. He took him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Faith always clings to Jesus. It’s like the
frightened little girl. She holds on to mother because she doesn’t know
otherwise. She’s holding on to mother so tightly.
But who has a hold of whom? Jesus’ grip
is so tight that it might hurt a bit. Such is your life in Christ. Jesus has a
hold of you. He will never let you go. And with His hold on you, He will bring
you to repentance and faith. These miracles of Jesus. The feeding of the 5,000.
His walking on the water. Jesus’ miracles were always for the benefit of
others. Never for His benefit.
The Savior has promise to rescue once
again. You can take courage to believe
that the Savior’s love will never fail. He will rescue you from all adversity.
When you feel you’re drowning in life’s situations, take heart Your life guard
walks on water. Even when He comes to you, riding on the waves of adversity,
confusion, and doubt. His words of peace will always prevail.
O God, you willed to
redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to
regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between
us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[2]
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