“TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!”

 Matthew 14:22-33                      (ESV)

JESUS Walks on the Water

“[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. When evening 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.”

[28] And Peter answered him, ”LORD, IF IT IS YOU, command me to come to YOU on the water.” [29] HE said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to JESUS. [30] But when he (Peter) saw the wind, HE WAS AFRAID, and beginning to sink he cried out, “LORD, save me.” [31] JESUS immediately reached out HIS HAND and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “”TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD”.”

Having formerly sang in a Gospel Quartet, the Cathedral’s Quartet was my favorite groups.  George Younce (Bass) and Glen Payne (Lead) have since graduated to GLORY.  In December 1999 the group ceased performing.  However in 1997 the piano player (Roger Bennet (also deceased)) wrote a song entitled “DON’T BE AFRAID” (https://youtu.be/IKr2HwK0XM8) that is based on the Scripture above.  

“The disciples”, servants CHOSEN by JESUS HIMSELF, were MADE to get into a boat without JESUS as HE dispersed the crowd HE was ministering to…. then went to pray!  Why did JESUS “make” HIS disciples embark on a journey where HE KNEW they would be in a storm??  When HE came to them “walking on the sea” it wasn’t a smooth, calm sea!  JESUS knew that “the disciples” needed to have their FAITH built up, and the raging sea was chosen to do so!  

The storm was so intense that HIS disciples were unsure who was walking on a stormy sea?  WHO else could WALK ON THE SEA during a storm?  Why did JESUS need them to experience a fierce storm, when HE KNEW THAT HE WOULD RESCUE THEM from said storm?  The answer to that question is “And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “”TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD”.”

JESUS hasn’t lost any abilities that HE had when HE spoke “these worlds” into existence (Colossians 1:15-16)!  Why don’t I/we express to HIM “TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD” more than we do?  When we SEE that HIS unending PRESENCE in our lives was provided by NONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF, it causes me to shout uncontrollably and shake with fear at the same time!  Forever let my life proclaim that “TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD” and YOU live in my heart!!!