God Pause for Thursday, 8/7/2014
/Luther Seminary God Pause
Thursday, 8/7/2014 Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
I thought rescue missions were about getting INTO the boat! But in today's text, Jesus calls Peter OUT of the boat! Now Peter, the eager one, after clarifying that it's really Jesus calling him to such absurdness, obediently jumps out into the risky waves . As the story tells us, he quickly loses sight of Jesus and begins to sink, only to be rescued by Jesus and brought safely back into the boat.
Clearly Jesus is doing the rescuing. But what's he rescuing Peter from? Perhaps he's not rescuing Peter FROM something, but TO something. Perhaps Jesus is calling Peter (and you and me) out of what's familiar and easy and into a faith life that takes new risks. Jesus is calling us TO a life of faith that trusts that Jesus will "walk" the journey with us. Though the seas of our lives may be stormy and unsure, Jesus calls us to "COME, have faith." It is in the "coming" and the trusting that we are rescued.
Faithful God, you call us to come in faith and trust in you to navigate our lives. Forgive us when we lose sight of you. Rescue us to a place of peace amidst the storm. Amen.
Elizabeth Reinking Pastor and Mission Developer, The Bridge Market and Faith Community, St. Charles, Mo. Master of Divinity, 2013
Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 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."
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