IF YOU THINK YOU'RE PERFECT...

I like to read bumper stickers. I recently came upon this one which read,

"If you think you're perfect…Try walking on water."

We're reminded of the scene of Jesus walking on the water. The story is found in Matthew 14. It's about 4 a.m. and the disciples are in a boat in the middle of a storm. All of a sudden they see an apparition walking on the water and they become terrified and think they're seeing a ghost. Jesus calms their fears and says, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Peter wanted more than anything to come to Jesus, and Jesus invited him to try. Peter got out of the boat and walked on water. However, when he saw the wind and the waves, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out to the Lord and Jesus reached out his hand a caught him. There are several good lessons to this story.

  1. It is in Jesus' presence that our fears are dispelled.
  2. His word instills courage and faith. Though we normally focus on Peter's "fear," we need to remember that he did walk!
  3. When we take our eyes off of Jesus and begin to focus on ourselves and our problems, then we really get into trouble.
  4. Peter cried out to the Lord when in trouble and was saved. Jesus is still in the saving business.
  5. The result: The disciples grew in their faith because of this experience. They declared, "Truly you are the Son of God."
When you find yourself "treading" the water of life's circumstances, remember to "keep your eyes fixed on Jesus,"-Hebrews 12:1-2, so that you will not "lose heart." Jesus is still in the saving business today. It was Peter who said, "In no other name given among men whereby we must be saved,"- Acts 4:12. He would later proclaim to the house of Cornelius, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name," Acts 10:43.

Our worship, our lives, our speech and actions should speak loud and clear to the world. We, like the apostles, because of the cross and the grace of salvation poured out into our lives, can say with confidence, "truly you are the Son of God!"

If you think you can walk on water? Think again. There is One that did…and he is still saving us!

Tom Nuckels
January 19, 2003