BY: Pastor Bob Miller
TITLE: “IMMEDIATELY HE RESPONDS”
CHAPTER READ: Matthew 14
SCRIPTURE SELECTED:
Matthew 14:26-27; 30-31
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a
ghost,” they said and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to
them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus comes walking out over the water to where the Disciples are
at, in the midst of the storm. When they see Him, they are terrified and they cry out: “It’s a ghost”. They didn’t recognize that it was Jesus and they were afraid! But JESUS immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid. There is a second time that word “immediately” is used. It is when Peter had begun to sink as he was walking towards Jesus on the water. It says: “Immediately” Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. In response to both times when they cry out – Jesus immediately responds!
APPLICATION:
I think that I think that the Lord is “slow” concerning his response to my
cries. But He is not. He doesn’t always respond in the same manner, but to our cries, His response is immediate. The ‘slowness’ comes from the fact that it takes us so long to cry out! As long as we think we can handle the mess ourselves…we operate in our own strength and power. It isn’t until we are “sinking” or “afraid” do we call out! And when we do, He is there!
PRAYER:
Lord, may this day be lived in the recognition that you are present with me
and that You have called me to remain in a conversation with you throughout this day. This is not an “in and out” relationship where I only call on you when I need you. May I engage with you through the day as we walk through the storm! AMEN