S08 In the Storm
S08 – In the Storm Scripture : Matt 14:22-33
(22) And Straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go …
v The disciples were in the center of God’s will when this happens
(23) And when he had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart …
v We have an Advocate with the father who knows what it means to be tired and need of quite time … away from the multitudes.
He went up into the mountain apart to pray …
v Love to be in the mountains and look up at the sky at night? Our problems seem so insignificant and He seems so close.
(24) But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves for the wind was contrary. (25) And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
v The disciples are now in the middle of the sea of Galilee. They have sailed all night long. The time is just before dawn.
v “Hold on my child, Joy comes in the morning. The darkest time is just before dawn.”
v Jesus knew where they were and came to their aid. Walking on the water showed that He was not subject to their or our limitations.
It is never true that there is no way out. He can make your way out of “no way”.
(26) And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear.
v Do you have trouble recognizing God’s path of deliverance. I thought here of Moses and the staff. It could turn into the symbol of royal sovereignty – the Cobra. Moses ran from it … these disciples felt trapped.
(27) But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.
(28) And Peter answered him and said Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
v Peter has gotten a lot of bad press over the years for sinking – but – only two men have ever walked on water – Peter and Jesus.
Peter saw a chance to subdue what had always overpowered him – the sea.
v Peter did not see the price tag: Absolute trust in God in the face of facts and experience. Remember Peter was a fisherman. He had lived on the sea.
(29) And he said , Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
(30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying , Lord, save me.
Ø Bro Thaxton used to say that when you went into a dark tunnel you have a hard time remembering what things looked like in the sunshine; but, if you could just stay on the wagon, you would make it to the other side.
Fear ---
Ø Accrophobic – sort of like the fear of being an acrobat. Climbing up on to the roof of a house would put me – a grown man – into terror.
Ø Knowing that your are panicing is not enough to allow you to stop.
Ø Knowing that the fear is not logical is not enough to stop the fear.
IT RIPS REALITY OUT OF YOUR HANDS!!!
(31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him…
v He was not slow neither was his arm short.
He was there when Peter’s faith was strong.
He was there when Peter’s faith was overwhelmed.
v A plane crash -- Washington D.C.—Icy Waters – could not hold onto the life preserver. – a hero – jumped in and pulled the person out.
v My own almost drowning – arms tired – could not reach the life preserver – hand reached down from a boat and lifted me out.
YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS LIKE – HE DID THE SAME FOR YOU WHEN HE SAVED YOU.!!!
(31) … O thou of little faith. Wherefore didst thou doubt?
(32) And when they were come into the ship..
Ø I wish we had a video tape of this to see how Jesus said this but I think that probably , Jesus was more disappointed than critical. And probably said it something like “ you were looking good there till you lost your grip. Here let me help you back up and lets walk over to the boat.”
Ø Not only did Jesus stop Peter from sinking, but, he brought him back to the ship and the wind ceased.
Peter stepped out for the Lord
The task was larger than he expected
His faith was weaker than he expected
God’s help was immediate and complete