13 April 2013 - storm chasers

13 April 2013 - storm chasers

It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.
When they had rowed about three or four miles,
they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat,
and they began to be afraid.

The wind has already been blowing and the waves are already tossing the boat but they don't begin to be afraid until they see Jesus coming toward them.  They have been so disoriented by the storm that they don't recognize him and he has to reassure them that it is him.  The storm is the actual danger but they are oblivious.


They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.

Sometimes taking Jesus into the boat is appropriate but this time it is better that they not be in the boat at all.  Jesus sometimes wants to jump in to the stormy circumstances of our lives to be with us and to help us within them.  But other times he wants to completely transplant us to new circumstances by bringing us out and away from the power of stormy seas.  We need to avoid fixated on such circumstances to be able to let them go if we are so led.  We have to watch Jesus and follow his lead but we know that we don't have to be afraid.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,

upon those who hope for his kindness,

To deliver them from death

and preserve them in spite of famine.

We need people filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can discern the ways in which Jesus is trying to lead us.  This is the key to the success of the early Church.

Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,

filled with the Spirit and wisdom,

whom we shall appoint to this task,

Because they are Spirit-filled they won't try to stay in the boat when Jesus is calling them to the shore.  If Jesus is calling them out on stormy seas they will not fear because they are filled with his presence.  No matter by what path he guides us he is entirely trustworthy.

Upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.