Water Walking

Summer is in full swing now that Memorial Day has come and gone. For most people, summer is their favorite season. For me, it is definitely in my top 3 list. I have fond childhood memories of the warm season. I loved playing Little League baseball, being outside with pals, riding my bike, creek adventures, family vacations and trips to amusement parks. Of course, the fact that school was not in session was very appealing as well.

As an adult, the enjoyment of summer has not diminished. Going to ball games, gardening, trips with my family, helping at church camp and VBS, and throwing the frisbee are things I have loved doing for many years. Lots of folks like camping, grilling, and seeing fireworks in the warm months. Boating, fishing, swimming, and trips to the lake and beach have huge appeal. There is just something about water that we love. It is almost as if it is needed to sustain life.

At least 70 percent of the earth’s surface is water covered. Our creator God knew exactly what he was doing when he designed our planet to carry out his plan for mankind. When I was growing up, private swimming pools were not as common as they are today. The only places I recall swimming in chlorine water were at motels or public pools. One summer I took swimming lessons, but Johnny Weissmuller I am not. At least I can swim. My Dad never went beyond the doggy paddle. Mom kept the water below her knees. Although she was beautiful, she was no Esther Williams. If you do not know who Johnny or Esther were, you are under 60.

I was never much of a lake swimmer, but loved when my family would go to a beach on the eastern shore to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. The only bad memories I have of that are my parents squabbling as they searched for a motel, bad sunburns and getting a mouthful of salt water when taken under by a big wave. I much preferred a mouthful of salt water taffy.

Jesus spent a lot time on the water during his earthly ministry but never had to fear getting a mouthful. One advantage of creating nature and physical laws is having the power over them. Jesus created wine from water in an instant. He spoke and a terrible storm was stilled. He originated fast food when he turned five bread loaves and two fish into a massive smorgasbord (John 6:1-15). While those had to have been incredible to witness, what the disciples saw after rowing over three miles in a storm was awesome (16-21).

Jesus needed a break after the event with well over 5,000 people. He realized that they wanted to forcefully make him king, so he got away for a mountain retreat (15). In a story that is also told in Matthew and Mark, the disciples are in a boat and darkness arrived. For those who were fisherman it was not an unusual thing to be on the lake at night. Sudden storms were also fairly common because of the lay of the land. They must have been fairly far from shore by now because of the mention of rowing at least three miles to try to reach land as the wind and waves buffeted them (19). If you have ever had an oar in your hand, you can appreciate the challenge of paddling that far in the dark in a storm.

What happened next would have been scary, even for the most experienced fisherman. They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified (19). Every year there is a robin’s nest in a big shrub in my front yard. Multiple times a week I am startled when the bird flies out of the nest. I know it is there but I still get unnerved. In this case, the disciples would not have expected to see anything in the dark during a storm except maybe another boat. Now they see Jesus. He is walking. Jesus is walking on the water. Who does that? No wonder they were terrified. Matthew records that they thought he was a ghost. Apparently, no one had told them that there is no such thing. No wonder the Lord had to reassure the disciples.

But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going (20-21). As people of faith, we know we are not to fear and worry. We also know how difficult that is to practice. If we can only visualize Jesus standing before us (on land or sea) we would do well. It would be amazing to hear him command us not to be afraid. No wonder they were glad to make room in the boat for him. Even if no one said it aloud, someone surely wanted to ask, “How did you do that”? Perhaps the better question is why he did it. It was another opportunity to show his authority over nature. People cannot walk on water (Peter being the brief exception). God can. I think the primary reason was so that he could care for his followers. The storm was bad; and even from a distance Jesus realized they would be scared and perhaps in danger. He was not ready to be made king but was there to help them in their time of need. God provides and protects.

Upon willingly taking him in the boat another miracle happened. It is easy to overlook but is equally impressive. The boat was instantly transported to their intended destination. They could be sure they were on the shore. One can imagine Jesus’ disciples looking out into the deep waters and thinking, “Were we not just out there”? No matter where you find yourself this summer, whether under blue skies or in a storm, Jesus is there. You can trust him, sink or swim…or walking toward you.