Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Matthew 14:22-33
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.



"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 (NRSV)



What would you do if Jesus came to your Church and said, “I’m looking for a few ordinary people”? Why would Jesus be interested in ordinary people?

Yet, these are the ones Jesus called to be his friends: fishermen, tax collectors, a teacher, a homemaker. I have related to Peter more than any of Jesus’ other followers.

Peter was impulsive, like me. Seeing Jesus walking on the water, he said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you.” Jesus did and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, something no one except Jesus had done. That is not ordinary. Then Peter looked around at the wind and the waves, and he fell. That is what I would do. That’s ordinary.

After Jesus’ arrest, fear overcame Peter and he denied knowing Jesus. I hate to say it, but I probably would have done the same. I am grateful that Jesus loved and forgave Peter and commanded him, “Feed my Sheep” (John 21:17). Peter later became a preacher in the early church. The longer Peter walked with Christ, the more I realized how much je wants to help me become the servant God wants me to be.



Prayer: O God, help us ordinary people to be extraordinary workers for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Ordinary People

Thought for the Day: God calls ordinary people to be extraordinary servants.

Story shared by: S. Tornai (CA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 3/1/12