Fear Factor

Matthew 14:30 ESV

Matthew 14:28-32 MSG

On this last day of September we circle back around to Jesus walking on the water while the disciples are in the boat. In this section of scripture written by Matthew the wind was once again a factor that led to fear.

In Matthew 14:30 Peter was on the water and initially he was doing fine, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

The long version of this section of scripture tells the whole story of Peter walking on the water with Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-32, “Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down.”

The problem Peter faced was his own fear.

When he looked down and Peter the man realized he was defying the laws of nature, he became afraid and started to sink. Jesus wanted Peter to experience (even just for an instant) that God could d anything.

Later in Jesus’ ministry he gave Peter the name Rock. And he told Peter in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Jesus knew all along that Peter would be the Rock. He would lead the way to establish the church of Jesus after Jesus ascended to heaven.

Peter was named the first pope.

Certainly Jesus made it clear that Peter would lead the way.

It’s interesting that while Peter is attributed to possibly writing 1st and 2nd Peter, it was John, Matthew, Mark, and Paul who wrote the bulk of the New Testament.

We do know that Peter spoke to the crowds. It was Peter who spoke on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

After the Holy Spirit came it was Peter who addressed thousands of Jews on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.

John and other disciples assumed the role of writing. John wrote the Gospel of John, First, Second, and Third John, and Revelation.

Clearly, God gave gifts to all of the disciples.

When I was in Seminary we had discussions that while Peter and John remained in the region, other disciples we didn’t hear a lot about after Jesus ascended to heaven assumed the role of spreading the message of the Gospel in Africa and even in Europe.

Certainly, each disciple was given their own unique way of spreading the message of the Gospel throughout the world.

The Wind…the Spirit of God went with all who were called to spread the Gospel.

In my lifetime I’ve known those who preach a powerful message of Jesus who barely finished Eighth Grade. The key is the Spirit of God was upon them.

I’ve also known those who spend a lifetime learning and teaching students but they did not preach. They were gifted academics who made their chosen field (for example teaching Hebrew) their life work.

What is important is that God called each one and gifted them accordingly.

God called. God gifted. God gave them their own message…the power of the Spirit (the wind of God) in their lives.

Deborah/acrazyjourney.com