February 6
Bible Reading: John 6:16-21
John 6:16-21, “When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”
At a recent family gathering, my uncle was retelling a repeated story about the time I jumped in the river to chase after a big steelhead. It was a long time ago, but I can still remember. It was in the cold of winter, along the banks of the beautiful Salmonberry River. I was fishing with my uncles and dad. I had hooked the fish just above a set of rapids. It was a big fish, and it headed quickly downstream. There was no riverbank, only steep rocks, so I had no choice but to follow. I waded in and was soon up to my waist in that cold January stream. It was a little scary floating down that rushing river, but my dad was waiting about one hundred yards downstream, and together we corralled that big fish! It would have been far easier if only I’d been able to walk on water!
The laws of gravity and surface tension work to prohibit a man from walking on water. But as the creator, Jesus is not bound by such laws. Jesus walked on water, and what they saw frightened the disciples. The other gospel accounts fill in some other details of what happened that night. By faith, Peter also walked on water. Only to sink when he looked away! Then, when Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind suddenly stopped. The disciples “worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). Not only did Jesus stop the wind, but He also brought the boat instantly to shore. These miracles all spoke to Jesus’ power and to His authority over His creation. The laws of gravity and other forces are all subject to the One who brought creation into existence (John 1:3). Truly, He is the Son of God!
J. C. Ryle has commented on this event: “Many of the things which now frighten Christians and fill them with anxiety, would cease to frighten them if they would endeavor to see the Lord Jesus in all, ordering every providence, and overruling everything, so that not a hair falls to the ground without Him. They are happy who can hear His voice through the thickest clouds and darkness, and above the loudest winds and storms, saying, ‘It is I; be not afraid.’”
J. C. Ryle
When you feel as if you’re sinking, look to the One who walked on water and calmed the seas!
LOVE LIFTED ME
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me;
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]
Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 