Basking

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  (Matthew 14:22-33, NIV)

 

 

THE STORY:

Stories speak to me.  I have read and heard the story often of Peter walking out to Jesus as He walked on the water toward His panicking disciples in the boat in the storm.  As stories often do, it reminded me of truths that have slipped away in memory and revealed new truths.

 

Jesus and His disciples have had a long day of ministry—teaching, healing and feeding 5000 people.  Catering for 5000 in the best of circumstances would be a daunting task!  Jesus sent His disciples away in the boat and the people on their way then He withdrew alone to be with His Father.  The Disciples alarm over the storm turns to panic when they see a man walking on the water towards them through the storm.  After Jesus calms them—“Don’t be afraid, take courage I am here”—Peter asks to walk on the water and go to Jesus.  Peter’s faith falters as he feels the storm and begins to sink.  Jesus challenges their lack of faith and the storms calm at His command.  The disciples worshiped Him: “You really are the Son of God.”

 

 

REFLECTIONS:

We are in a series on worship, this story speaks volumes to me about worship—particularly about personal, intimate worship—just me and God.

 

• Come away.  Be still and alone with our Father.  Jesus pulled His disciples away from the people they ministered to and withdrew, Himself, to pray and worship.  Rest and time alone with God is worship and is essential for my well being—not a luxury but a necessity.  
• In the midst of storm, troubles and busy schedules, and during calm times—focus and worship God.  I love the term “basking in His presence.”
• We may become more intimately aware of His presence, Holiness, love and provision as we go through our life storms. Sometimes it takes a storm to remind us to worship! 

 

 

POINT OF PONDER, ACTION, & PRAYER:

Father, teach me, help me to find my way to just pull away.  When I feel the nagging guilt  for just being still or I let the clamor and demands of the world around me, pull me away—remind me to focus on You, to talk to You, and to worship You.  I want to just bask in Your presence to just “be.”  Thank You for the unfathomable privilege of an intimate relationship with You.

 

 

WHO AM I?

I’m Cinda Brooks.  I share this picture of my niece Seve, now in nursing school, because it speaks of rest and a father’s love. I think when we rest, trust and just BE with our Heavenly Father, that is a type of worship.