Jesus reveals himself to us in the midst of the storms of our lives. He comes to us on sees that are stirred up because strong winds are blowing. At first, we are so distracted by the weather that we don't recognize. But he speaks to us and reveals himself.
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.
But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."
When Jesus visits our boat it is natural to want to bring him in and take him with us. We briefly forget about the journey we're on. For a moment we shift the focus from our mission. We want to stay on the mountain with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. We want Jesus to stay in our boat to forget about the distant shore to which we head. Yet Jesus is strengthening and blessing us for mission. It is not always time to stop. And it is time to stop for a while we must still remember the journey toward Jerusalem and start again. The presence of Jesus in our lives is not a distracting alternative from our mission. His presence, rather, is where we get the strength we need for that very mission.
We really need to get as much clarity as we can about God's particular call for each of us in our lives right now. It is so easy to get distracted by thousands of legitimately good alternatives.
It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.
Some are being called to serve at table. Others are being called to the ministry of the word. Some are being called to stop and spend time basking in the presence of Jesus. Others need to go out with his blessing to the activity ministries to which they are called. The only way any of this will be possible or make sense is if we seek God's will first in our lives and not what seems best to us.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
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