By Otoniel de Lima Ferreira
“During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake” (Matt 14:25).
“Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples.” (Ellen G. White, 1898, p. 380) whenever the disciples of Jesus are in the boat trying to cross the spiritual lake in storms, Jesus is always on the top of the mountain praying and interceding for them with his eyes fixed on the vessel, expecting the moment of their prayer asking for help enabling him to immediately appear walking on the water in middle of the waves calming the tempest. Sister White (1898) says,
At the moment when they believe themselves were lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But they know not that it is Jesus. The One who has come for their help they count as an enemy. Terror overpowers them. The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea. (381)
Many time the boat “church” is being buffeted by the waves of the enemy of God, we as disciples are inside struggling in order to suffice, Many pray asking for God’s help, God sends his only son to come over and help us but we cry in fear not recognizing Him, like the disciples in that situation of storm we say that is a ghost (Matt 14:25). God cannot help someone that does not recognize His son as Savior and Lord. Although, the Disciples did not recognized Him, He insisted saying "“Take courage! It is I don’t be afraid.” (Matt 14:27). One of the disciples took courage and with joy and faith asked the Lord to also let him walk on the water. Always when somebody asks the Lord for permission to walk on the water, He will gladly say “whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). Peter was the one who was allowed to walk with Jesus on the water. What a privilege! In the same, time what a risk and responsibility! It is too dangerous to walk on the water, when there is a storm beating the boat. But if Jesus is inviting you, it is because he will sustain and be with you all the time, with Him we don’t need to be afraid. Ellen G. White (1898) says “Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Savior. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment, Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, "Lord, save me." Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"” ((Ellen G. White, 1898, p. 381). In this text, we learn that beside Jesus no matter where we walk we will be always secure as far as we have our eyes fixed on the Savior. The Lord keeps inviting people to walk on the water. Walking in the water may signify the disciple’s right attitude toward dangerous territory that may be shaking by the waves of Satan and so many people may die if there is no one with courage enough to get out of the boat (church) walk around in the dangerous place with Jesus and save as many as possible.
Otoniel de Lima Ferreira
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