The Storms of Life
November 4, 2020
Commentary
As soon as the disciples had finished helping Jesus feed the 5,000 He sent the disciples away in a boat and He went up into the hills alone to pray (vv. 22-23). Jesus spent a good deal of His time alone with the Father in prayer. He had this practice not only to make requests to the father, but even more to stay in close fellowship with Him and to enjoy His company. Soon the disciples found themselves in the midst of a storm (v. 24). This was probably somewhere between 3 and 6 in the morning as it was the fourth watch of the night. This storm came because they were in the will of God and not (like Jonah) out of the will of God.
In life there are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God has to discipline us; and storms of perfection, when God gives us trials to make us grow. Jonah was in a storm because he disobeyed God and had to be corrected. The disciples were in a storm because they obeyed Christ and needed to be perfected. Many Christians have the mistaken idea that obedience to Christ produces “smooth sailing” but this is not true. In John 16:33 we read “In the world you shall have tribulation”. The storms of life are not easy, but they are necessary.
Jesus joined them, walking on the lake, a distance of between 3 and 4 miles (John 6:19) (vv. 25-27). As He did, the waters were calmed and Peter asked if he could walk out to meet Him (v. 28). When the Lord said “come” Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking toward the Lord (v. 29). He did ok until his faith began to waver because he took his eyes off the Lord and he had to cry out to the Lord to save him (v.30). Instantly Jesus reached out and grabbed him (v. 31) The wind stopped and the disciples said, “Truly you are the Son of God” (vv. 32-33). Soon they landed at Gennesaret and the people began bringing all their sick to be healed (vv. 34-36).
Application
When has God ever invited me to “get out of the boat” during my life time? (1) In dealing with a tough situation? (2) In deciding what God wants me to do? (3) In dealing with a relationship?
Matthew 14:22– 36 (NET)
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds. 23 And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it. 25 As the night was ending, Jesus came to them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out with fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
34 After they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the people there recognized him, they sent word into all the surrounding area, and they brought all their sick to him. 36 They begged him if they could only touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.