Daily Devotional For Tuesday, January 23, 2024

There are stories in the Bible that seem to press us to understand. For example, take the story in Matthew 14:22-33. This is when Jesus came walking on the water to His disciples who were in a boat being tossed around by a storm just before dawn. The Sea of Galilee is notorious for storms that catch you off guard. 

What we see here first is, that Jesus intentionally left His disciples alone. This was atypical for Jesus. He usually joined His disciples in boat trips across the Sea of Galilee. This has to be troubling for the disciples because the last time this happened in Matthew 8:24-26, Jesus was in the boat with them. When the storm came abruptly on them, Jesus calmed the storm. This time, He is not with them and this had to be troubling for them, almost de-ja-vu.

Second,  it seems that Jesus wanted His disciples in the dark, literally, for some reason.  He wanted them to cross the Sea of Galilee without Him in the boat. Now, most of these disciples are seasoned, trained, and experienced fishermen. Here they are on the Sea of Galilee in the pitch black of the night, with possibly no lights on the shore in sight. With 12 guys in the boat, this means the boat was near the limit of breaking its capacity. With water coming over the bow, there had to be some fear and tension in them and in the air.

Third, this gave Jesus time to be by Himself. Ever been surrounded by people so much that you wish to be alone and/or have some down time? Ministry is draining and Jesus was human. It is possible that He wanted some privacy or alone time. The Bible tells us that while Jesus was praying on the mountain safely, His disciples were fearing for their lives. 

The Greek New Testament says their boat was [βασανίζω, basanizō[].This Greek New Testament word refers to a boat whose structure is being tested to the max. In some way, this also might refer to the disciples nerves. The disciples were exhausted and almost ready to accept the inevitable. So, Jesus waited for them to get to this emotional state and then He showed up. They are confused, terrified and think at first they are seeing a ghost. 

Isn’t that just like Jesus? He allows us to go through some kind of test to see if we will trust Him no matter what happens. Jesus said to His disciples this in Matthew 22:27, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (ESV). Peter, wanting confirmation, said this to Jesus in Matthew 22:28-30,  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.” (29) “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (ESV).

What this tells me is that as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was fine. It was when he took his eyes off of Jesus, that he began to sink and cried out to Jesus. He did what I call a cry of salvation, “Lord, save me.” Jesus is frustrated and as He grabbed Peter’s hand, He asked all of HIs disciples this question, “Why did you doubt?” The Greek New Testament word translated here as “doubt” is rarely used in the Greek New Testament.

Chuck Swindoll wrote this: "Actually, only two times, here and in Matthew 18:2, and in both places, the term is used in reference to people who do, in fact, believe in who Jesus is and what He’s capable of but who at the same time harbor lingering doubts. This wasn’t the kind of doubt that an unbeliever has, which is more like stubborn unbelief. It’s the doubt that comes from living in a world filled with situations, circumstances, trials, and tribulations that cause strong believers to wonder about the goodness and mercy of God” (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights, “Matthew 1-15”, p. 316.).

As your read the story, when Jesus got in the boat, the storm subsided. So, here are some questions for all of us to consider:

1. As believers in Christ, which situations or circumstances cause you and me to doubt Jesus?
2. We commend Peter over the other disciples. At least he was willing to get out of the boat. What fear or worry is holding you back from stepping out in faith with Jesus?
3. Do you feel there is a difference in seeing Jesus personally with you rather than the Holy Spirit who lives in you? Why? 
4. Why do you think the disciples thought they were initially seeing a ghost walking on the water, rather than Jesus? What does this tell you how situations and circumstances can distort your spiritual ability to see Jesus with you in your storms?
5. Do you ever think God leaves you in the dark about things? If so, why do you think He does this to you? What can and should you learn from these experiences?

Scripture to Meditate On: Isaiah 41:13, “I hold you by your right hand—I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you’” (NLT).

Prayer to Pray: “Dear Jesus, there are times I am no different than the disciples in a boat, especially Peter. I can in one moment jump out in faith enthusiastically and when life comes at me, I find myself sinking in fear and doubt. Jesus, I do not want to live like this. I believe I am secure in Your hands. You call me out of the darkness and the this dangerous sea called life and You will set my feed on dry ground. Jesus help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”