FAITH TO WALK ON WATER

Text:  “Peter answered him, ‘Lord, is it is you, bid me come to you on t he     water.’”

                                                                             Matt. 14:28

For some Christians today, this is a very difficult story.  Difficult because it describes something seemingly impossible; - walking on water.

Shortly after I became a candidate for the ministry, and while I had just completed my second year of an Arts Degree at McMaster University in Hamilton, - I went to my first student mission field.

I’d always been interested in boats and the water, and when I learned that the United Church had a marine mission – I decided to apply for a student placement on one of the Church’s boats.  And believe it or not, although I’d had not previous boating experience, - I was sent out to British Columbia to serve on the largest of our mission boats – the 70 foot yacht, the Melvin Swartout; - that serviced tiny outposts on the west side of Vancouver Island.

I spent a wonderful four months on the Swartout, and had many adventures involving both navigation on ocean, as well as ministering to people in the distant out-ports of Canada.  One experience, however, brings this morning’s text to mind.

One day, shortly after we had entered the inner harbour at Tofino, Dick, the Swartout’s engineer, - (a crusty seaman, who had learned his skills in Newfoundland), - asked me to bring my camera and go with him in one of our ship’s lifeboats, out into the harbour.  We motored out quite some distance from shore and arrived at a narrow sand bar, which at low tide was barely covered by water.  We beached on the sand bar, and he got out of the boat.  He then instructed me to back off the boat a little ways, and take a picture of him, as he walked on the sand bar.  What resulted, of course, was a picture of Dick  seeming to walk on water!

That picture involved a bit of deception.   But I doubt that deception is involved in this Biblical story - of the disciples being caught in a violent storm, out on the Sea of Galilee.  Be that as it may, - it’s still a difficult one for 21st century Christians to come to grips with. 

Was Jesus really master over the forces of nature?  Or was this story included in the Gospels, - as a parable, to illustrate for us one of the great truths of faith?

We know  this story was important to the early Church - because it’s recorded – not just in Matthew’s Gospel, but also in Mark [6:45-52] and John.[6:16-21].    This means, it’s not a story  we can gloss over, - even if it does contain a miracle - we have difficulty understanding.

So let’s examine the story and see what we can learn.

Here was this tiny boat, filled with disciples – out on the Sea of Galilee.  - Now remember, the Sea of Galilee is in fact, just a small lake;  one that you can easily see across – even at its widest part.  But, it is a lake that’s subject to violent winds and very choppy water, from time to time.

So here it was, - midnight – and a suddenly storm has blown in.   For the disciples, the worst feature of the situation was – that Jesus was not with them!

Jesus had sent them on ahead, while he went off on the mountain to pray.  As far as the disciples knew, Jesus was totally unaware of their predicament.  So there they were, - caught in a terrible storm – in peril of their lives.

Here’s a situation with which we can identify, - when we’re tossed about in the storms of life; - and out of touch with God.

In days of stress and anxiety, when trouble or depression make the world seem totally black; and there doesn’t seem to be any divine guidance - coming to us in our struggle; - aren’t we tempted to moan – ‘If only Christ were here!’

Or what about those occasions, -  when temptation torments us and we’re in danger of giving into our animal passions.  That still, small inner voice of goodness & morality may seem powerless to stand against such temptation, even though we know – giving in will wreck our life and destroy our marriage.    If only Christ were here, - then we could remain true.

Or again, what about those times - when we’re overwhelmed by the darkness and evil of this world; and we’re in danger of being drawn into feelings of hopeless and despair.   - If only Christ were here! – we’re tempted to call out.

That’s the feeling the disciples had.  They felt abandoned!  All alone in the midst of peril!

And the message of this story is this:- Christ is nearer than we think!

That night, alone on the hill side praying – Jesus became aware of His disciple’s need.  And, as the Gospel writers record – “He came to them, walking on the sea.”

The experience of Christ coming to believers in times of crisis – has been duplicated time and time again. – It’s one of the great truths of our faith, - in times of stress,  if we call out to Him, - Christ’s spirit will come to us.  When the whole world is in turmoil, - when troubles rage, - that’s when the Lord is with us, - if we will but open our eyes and see Him.

And I’m sure there are those here today  who can vouch for the fact that they’ve encountered Christ – when their lives were most at risk.

The problem is,  sometimes we don’t recognize our Lord – when He appears.  The disciples didn’t.  “It’s a ghost!” – they cried out in terror.  They feared the worst, - because it was so unexpected. 

Why should they have recognized Him, - you say.  The night was dark; - the ship was tossing; - their hearts were gripped in fear.  How could they have known it was Jesus?

But there was a deeper reason why they didn’t recognize Him.  It was the incredulity of unbelief.  – ‘No living person can do that!  It’s demonic!  No one can walk on water!  - And the unspoken thought was – ‘Not even Jesus’.

Is that how we respond - when the Gospel speaks of a living Lord who can come to us even today?   Is that how we respond - when we’re told that Christ is with us – in the midst of our crises?  Are we tempted to say:– it’s untrue;  it doesn’t happen?  We’re really all alone!

But  – when Jesus heard the cry of His disciples – He spoke to reassure them.  “Take heart, it is I;  have no fear!”

It’s not imagination that invents the presence of God in times of trouble.   It’s not hallucination that brings Christ to us – in such times.  It’s Christ Himself – who comes to us in the midst of our need!  If only we’ll open our eyes and see Him.

So this is a story about faith.   Let’s see what it tells us about faith!

I        IMPULSIVE FAITH

The first clue is provided by Peter.  With the reckless impulsiveness of his character, - he put his faith to the test.  - “Lord, if it’s really you, bid me come to you on the water.”

This was so characteristic of Peter.  He was impulsive, - and reckless.  But He was willing to test his faith. 

Mind you, he was the only one.  None of the other disciples offered to follow. - They were too prudent for that.  They probably thought Peter was crazy, - venturing out into that wild sea.

I’m not sure I’d have had the courage to follow Peter’s example either.  –

But look again at the man climbing out of the boat to walk to Jesus.  Peter may have been impulsive and reckless.  But isn’t there a place for – impulsiveness in our response to Christ?  Surely that’s what Mary demonstrated when she shattered her lovely  alabaster jar at Jesus’ feet and anointed him; - impulsiveness.

And think of the four men who tore open the roof of the house where Jesus was preaching and lowered their paralytic friend done in front of Him.  They were certainly impulsive.

Albert Schweitzer was impulsive when he abandoned his prospects for a lucrative medical career – to bury himself in Central Africa.  And so were Bonhõffer, and Martin Luther King, and thousands of other Christians who have thrown caution to the wind – to follow Jesus.

So here was Peter – with the storm blowing in his face, and the waves lashing against the little boat – saying:  “Lord, bid me come to you.”

This is the kind of person Christ wants in His company; - people who are not afraid to step out in faith, - even when it seems irrational.

And that’s what the Church needs today.  Christians who will impulsively respond to the urging of their faith.

II       INSIGHTFUL FAITH

But there was more than blind impulsiveness in Peter’s response to Jesus.  There’s also insightful faith at work here. 

Peter looked out at the figure of Jesus walking on the water, and the daring thought occurred to him.  “If Jesus can do this, why not me? – Is there any reason why I shouldn’t attempt to do what He is doing?”

This insight wasn’t born out of irreverence, - but from belief in Jesus.  Peter was willing  – to follow Jesus’ example.

But that isn’t not how most of us react.  We look at Jesus walking on the water,  - mastering the troubles of life, and resisting temptations – and we say:  ‘That’s okay for Him, after all, He was the Son of God,  -- but don’t expect that kind of performance from us!!’

We see Jesus as different; -- as someone who is superior to the rest of the human race.  And we use this as an excuse for not following His example.

We thwart God’s plan for our lives – by concluding we’re inferior, - and thus, - incapable of following His example.

But it isn’t true. 

Look at how Jesus responded to Peter’s statement.  He didn’t say, ‘Don’t be silly Peter, - you can’t do what I am doing.’  He didn’t discourage Peter.  Instead,  He said:  “Come!  -- Take heart!  It is I;  don’t be afraid.”

These art the words of someone who thinks it’s impossible.

Jesus knew, that if Peter believed in Him, - he too could walk on the water.

And that’s exactly why Christ calls many Christians – into extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances.  Because He knows – those who have strong faith – can accomplish (the seeming) impossible. 

It’s strong faith that sends missionaries into dreadful, dangerous situations, - risking their lives, - for the sake of the Gospel.

But this same principle applies – to us as well.   It applies to our day by day Christian lives, as we seek to fulfil  God’s plan.

Christ sets a high standard for lives, - a standard which many may assume is impossible.  But Christ knows that if we keep our eyes of Him, we will succeed.

The whole point of Christianity – is fulfilling the impossible;  - the lifting of standards beyond what’s  generally considered possible.

Christ challenges us to break away from the dull mediocrity of conventional religion.  He calls us to walk where He walks;  to love as He loves;  to sacrifice ourselves for others, as He sacrificed Himself.

Peter had the incite to realize that Jesus wouldn’t expect him to do what wasn’t possible through faith.  That’s why he called out to Jesus:  “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you over the water.”  - And Jesus responded with – “Come!”  --And  Peter began to walk – on the water.

III     FOCUSED FAITH

But then something happened.  – Peter became distracted by the storm; - he became afraid; - and began to sink.

This failure; - this sinking into the water, reveals another of the secrets of faith.  You see, as long as Peter kept his eyes firmly fixed on Jesus – he had no problem walking on the water.  But the second he allowed the noise and confusion of the world around him – to distract him, -- he began to fail.

Faith, if it is to be effective – must be focus upon Christ.

This is an important lesson for us.  It means that we have to consciously take steps to focus our faith.  We have to continually set our spiritual compass - through daily meditation and prayer.  We have to really know Jesus – through reading His words; associating with His people; and doing His work.

You can’t expect to accomplish the impossible in your life, - if you’re not willing focus upon Christ.

Have you ever considered how Olympic athletes train.  In preparation for a big race, - runners don’t simply run.  It’s not just the repetition of their basic skills that achieves perfection.  They focus upon in their minds upon winning.  They see themselves, running the perfect race; - crossing the finish line in first place.  And they rehearse this - mentally, - until running the perfect race becomes the norm for them.  That’s how athletes become champions.

When failure crept into Peter’s mind, - it’s worth noting how Scripture recorded the fact.  It says:  “When Peter saw the strength of the gale, he was seized by fear; - and beginning to sink, he cried out.”

‘Beginning to sink’ – those are the key words.  It hadn’t actually happened.  He hadn’t sunk into the water.  He was only beginning to sink!  -- The other disciples probably hadn’t noticed his plight, - but Peter did.  And he did the right thing,  - he called to Jesus for help.

You see, instead of panicking , when  we begin to get into trouble; we need to reach out to Christ.  Because, it’s at that’s critical moment, that the difference between success or failure is determined. 

The second he found himself in trouble, Peter called out for help. – It would have been just as easy to blame Jesus.  He could have said:  ‘Why did You get me into this trouble, - You knew I couldn’t do it!’  But no, - he continued to believe in Jesus.  And as soon as Jesus’ out-stretched hand touched Peter – he was once again lifted up.

“Why did you hesitate, Peter?” asks Jesus.  “How little faith you have,”  He scolded.  – But His words were not intended to belittle Peter; - but simply to teach him the importance of keeping his eyes on his Master. 

‘Did you think Peter, that I would ask anyone to come out of the safety of the boat, into the tempests, - without reinforcing you with God’s power?’

Christ doesn’t call us to do the impossible – without providing the power to achieve.  That’s the function of the Holy Spirit; - to guide, to strengthen, and to ensure our success in God’s work.  But in order to take advantage of this power – our faith must be centered on Christ.

CONCLUSION

This episode ends almost anti-climatically.

Peter and Jesus climb into the boat.  The wind drops, and the disciples fall down at the feet of Jesus, exclaiming:  “Truly, you are the Son of God.”    

But in a sense, - they miss the point!

This story isn’t really about Jesus’ power over the forces of nature; -  it was about the faith of a believer.

Yes, Jesus demonstrated power.  Yes, the forces of nature were quelled.  But that’s not the central point.  It’s the struggle of Peter’s faith – that’s the real message.

We learn more by looking at how Peter’s responsed, - than by anything else in this story.  We learn that Peter’s faith was: -  ‘impulsive’ and spontaneous; - but it wasn’t blindly impulsiveness, - Peter trusted that Jesus wouldn’t ask him - what wasn’t possible through faith. 

A momentary distraction almost defeated Peter, but in the end, his faith remained strong.

Impulsive, - insightful, -- focused; - that’s a model for any Christian who wishes to take up Jesus’ challenge – and follow Him.

Now there’s only one question left to complete the story; – are we willing to step out, - to risk all – in response to Christ’s call?  

The answer is your’s to make.