The Joy of Glory

Matthew 14:22-33 (click here)
And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.

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 14:25 and 28-29)

Reflection
The sea.

Uncontrollable… unpredictable… dangerous.

The sea can change in a moments notice from calm to a terrible storm. In ancient literature (including the Bible), the sea can often be a symbol for the evil, chaotic forces in the world that can cause suffering and claim human life in a moment.

The disciples are right in the midst of such a sudden experience. The wind and waves are against them (Matthew 14:24)! But then…Jesus…

Jesus walks upon the water. That which threatens the disciples is of no threat to him. He walks upon that in which they would sink. To him, the sea is controllable… predictable… safe. He is Lord over all, including the chaotic seas.

In the book of Revelation, there is a sea of glass before the throne of God… it’s like crystal… perfectly calm and under control in the presence of God.

Until we arrive at that crystal sea, we live in the midst of chaos, confusion, and evil. However, Christ is there with us and every wave is no trouble for him. He is with us amidst the storm and calls us to walk with him upon the waters.

The sea would not defeat Peter that night. He was safer walking with Jesus on the water than he was in the boat. It is the same for us.

No matter what storms we encounter in this life, none of them can conquer us as long as we are with Jesus. Sure… they might kills us, but not conquer us!

Luke 21:16-19, “You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will PUT TO DEATH. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. BUT NOT A HAIR of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

You will be put to death, but not a hair of your head will perish! How? Because Jesus walks upon the sea of death itself…and even when death comes for us, it has been defeated and serves merely to transport us into the very presence of Christ where we will live forever… not a hair on our head will perish!

So take heart! Look to Jesus amidst the storm! Walk with him and you need not fear not the wind and waves… because, in truth, the wind and the waves fear him.

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.