The Boat!

It is said that someone "missed the boat" when they missed an opportunity. When it is said that "we are all in the same boat" it means that everyone is in the same set of circumstances as someone else. To say "don't rock the boat" means to not cause problems for those around us. Then there is the expression, "sink or swim, sailor" which is indicative of a situation in which there are only two choices with an end of either success or failure depending on whether one chooses to continue or give up.

After Jesus had fed the five thousand, He sent the disciples out in a boat while He dismissed the crowds. ( Matthew 14:22) When the boat was a long way from land the disciples were "all in the same boat" being tossed by the waves from a strong wind. (vs.24) When they saw the figure of Jesus walking on the water, they were again "in the same boat", fearing they were seeing a ghost. (vs.26) Being reassured by the Lord that it was He and to not be afraid (vs.27), Peter -- who would have had a healthy respect for stormy seas, having been a fisherman by trade -- stated his desire to be where His Lord was; out on the water.

We read. . .
"(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." ( Matthew 14:28-29 ESV)

While the rest remained "all in the same boat", Peter had the courage to step out onto the water and walk toward Jesus. Would we not say that was an ACT OF FAITH? The text tells us Peter was actually doing it. And in order to walk on the water one must get out of the boat! Are we WALKING BY FAITH in order to remain near the Lord or are we choosing to remain where we are more comfortable? Are we willing to BE WITH JESUS even when it means stepping outside our own comfort zone as we choose to let Him work out His purposes in and through our lives?

As the text goes on to tell us, Peter's attention turned from Jesus to what the wind was doing around him and he began to sink. (vs.30) When it came to Peter's initial FAITH, the wind was "rocking the boat" of his courage. Was it "sink or swim" time for Peter? I think it is worthy to note that Peter did not choose to swim back to the boat. Nor did he call out for a life-ring or rope to be thrown to him by those who remained in the boat. Rather, Peter REFOCUSED ON THE LORD and "cried out, 'LORD, SAVE ME.'" (vs.30) The Lord did reach out His hand, took hold of Peter, chastised him for doubting, and once they were all back "in the same boat" the water calmed and Jesus' power had their attention. (vss.31-33)

When it comes to varying circumstances of life, the thing that will make the difference whether we find ourselves having "missed the boat", view life as "all in the same boat", someone seems to be "rocking the boat", or we are getting that "sinking" feeling, let us KEEP THE FOCUS TOWARD JESUS! When it seems we have but two choices, let us FOCUS ON JESUS -- not giving up, but continuing in Him -- recognizing we are all "in the same boat" of need Him in order TO BE SAVED! With our EYES OF FAITH RESTING ON HIM we too -- like the disciples -- may be amazed at His power to calm the storm (the one within us) as WITH HIM we WALK IN FAITH where we might never have otherwise imagined. In the example of Peter, may we always sincerely desire to be drawn closer to the Lord.

Have a great day NOT "MISSING THE BOAT" REGARDING A FIXED FAITH IN JESUS!
Carl

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