Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 14:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Verse 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Verse 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. Verse 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. Verse 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. Verse 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Verse 28Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Verse 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Verse 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Verse 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Verse 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Devotion
One summer, my brother and I were bound and determined to learn to barefoot ski at Grandma's cabin. We didn't trouble ourselves with details like training videos, equipment or lessons-we had lifejackets, a waterski rope and feet. Every day before going to wait tables, we would head out in the boat and take turns getting dragged deeper and deeper under the water until we couldn't stand it anymore and called for the skis.
In our Gospel reading, it is the middle of the night and the disciples are out in a boat getting soaked in a storm. Wet and confused, disciples encounter a clear-eyed, confident Jesus and cannot comprehend his presence. Still uncertain of Jesus' real presence in the midst of such chaos, Peter challenges Christ to call him and Jesus answers.
How many times have we looked into the night, unsure of our situation and challenged Christ to call us? We find that when we leave the safety of our boat, we fall in over our heads. But, Jesus is there when Peter cries "Lord, save me!" Jesus can handle the chaos.
Prayer
Lord, save me!