August 7th - Reflection

8th Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

Jesus walking on the sea
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Reflection

Jesus loved to pray to his Father. A close connection of love and guidance and understanding in those precious prayers. But as Jesus ministry began to heat up and get really busy, those times of prayer were becoming more and more difficult to arrange. So Jesus took time this evening, after feeding the five thousand's spirits and bodies, to get alone to pray. The disciples were set on a boat at sea and Jesus went into the mountains to pray.

Just think of this prayer. I know it's Jesus we're speaking of, but he is human after all. He left to walk on the sea sometime between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. by estimation. So Jesus prayer must have occurred sometime between sunset and this time. Did he pray that entire time? I don't know, but I would guess since prayer was so important to Jesus, his prayers lasted much of this time. If so, when did he sleep? Surely being fully human and fully divine, Jesus still needed some sleep.

Which leads me to think that Jesus' prayers were also times to recharge, refresh and renew body and soul. A time like one of those time's in life where time itself seems not to exist. Vacations can refresh and renew and when you return it seems like time flew by. Something like that, but on a more intense level. It's something to learn from this passage about prayer in my life and yours for sure.

So Jesus sets out over the water to catch up with the disciples. I seem to think that the disciples were only concerned with resting the body. The waves were probably making sleep hard. Then Peter witnesses what looks like a ghost approaching on the water, Peter, was without much sleep and Jesus, probably likely also, was without much sleep.

Peter's attempt at sleep neither restored body or soul. Jesus short sleep coupled with prayer restored body and soul. Peter recognized Jesus and Jesus calls Peter. Peter's attempt to come to Jesus was wonderful. But Peter relied on Jesus to save him in the end. Peter could not do this on his own. Just as we can not come to Jesus on our own.

In Martin Luther's explanation to the Third Article of the Apostle's Creed he states, "I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith."

This is where Peter was and this is where you and I are as we try to walk on water and sink before Jesus feet. We must be at Jesus feet one way or another. We must raise our hands in our last pleas for Jesus to save us. We can't do this on our own.

Jesus had perfect unity with the Father through renewing and refreshing prayer that evening, and was one with the Father. Likewise when we realize that we need to fall to the feet of Jesus in prayer, Jesus will reach out and save us and bring us to perfect unity in and through him. It's Jesus' act of salvation that saves us, not our feeble attempts to save ourselves. All of our doubts will be removed. Sleep will be over and we will be refreshed and renewed in our prayer of salvation with God.

And we will exclaim without a doubt... "Truly you are the Son of God!"

Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I reach out to you to save me. Build my faith and remove all doubt. Permit me to be bold enough to step out on that water and walk towards you, yet humble enough to reach out to you for salvation. You are the Son of God!... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen