Description

The Divine Grip

Consider the broader significance of this scene. The disciples of Jesus are out in the middle of the wider northern end of the Sea of Galilee where the water is the deepest. It is around 3-6 in the morning and the wind is blowing hard enough that they are making no headway toward Capernaum.

As they look out across the roiling surface of the Lake, they see the figure of a man walking toward them. Thinking it to be a spirit or a ghost they cried out in terror, but from across the waves came a familiar voice.  “It is I. Be not afraid.”

The voice sounds like the Savior, but in the darkness it is hard to distinguish features. Peter calls out, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”

The Master’s answer was simple. “Come.”

At the Savior’s invitation, Peter stepped out of the boat and began his unprecedented journey towards the Lord. Evidently, he had gone a considerable distance out from the boat. The water beneath his feet was very deep. The wind and waves were boisterous. Suddenly, he began to fear and then to sink into the water. He cried out in terror, “Lord, save me.”

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him.

Can you imagine Peter’s grip on the Savior—how he must have clung to Him once he was lifted up out of the engulfing depths?

How much like Peter are you and I? Out in the middle of the stormy seas of mortality with deep water beneath us and pounding waves opposing all about us while we press forward towards the Savior. Have there not been moments for you when it was too much—when you felt yourself sinking into doubt, discouragement, despair, terror? Of course there have. It happens to all of us. But Jesus is there in the storm with us. He is right there atop the water before us with hand outstretched. He will catch us and His grip is firm and sure. I know for myself what it is like to be sinking and call out to Him in pain and terror and have Him reach down and catch me. I have felt His strong, comforting grip while mine was flexed with desperation and fear. Like Peter, I have clung to Him while He calmed the storm about me and within me and brought me safely to shore.

I will worship Him and keep pressing toward Him. He is the my Master of Ocean, Earth, and Skies.

Sources:

Matthew 14:24-33, Mark 6:47-52, John 6:16-21

Copyright Glenn Rawson 2022