Sunday 29 September 2013

Do not be afraid, for it is I.

I was reminded this morning of one of my favourite stories in the bible, one which I am most encouraged by.  It is where Jesus walks on the water.

Matthew 14v22-27

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds,he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Whenevening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

The disciples are in a storm and are terrified.  It often feels as though we are in a storm, like life is getting too much, too big, too heavy and it is all about to come crashing down around us.  It can feel like we are barely still afloat and like we are about to be pulled under any second.  Jesus walks on water.  He is over it, reigning it and ruling it.  The storm is not too big for him.

He doesn't say 'O Heck, this problem's a bit too big for me to handle.'  No the words he says are such a comfort and encouragement when in the midst of the storms in our lives.





"Take heart; do not be afraid.  For it is I."

It is him, it is Jesus.  The same then, today and forever.  We do not need to be afraid, we can take heart for He is with us.