WALK WITH JESUS

Turmoil and tensions are building. A storm is brewing. Stepping out into an increasingly hostile society, an economy that demands more and offers less, a culture with values turning upside down and backward, and politics so self-serving and contentious that I may as well be watching a dog chase its tail. In my heart, I feel the storm surge. Gusting winds of adversity sweep across the face of my mind. The voices of fear and worry are carried in the cold, dark draft. Waves of trouble surging, making our comfort zones less so.

Fear crouches, poised to bring the Church (Ecclesia) under its power.

Is the ship sinking? Can it withstand the turbulence? Are the values and way of life we dearly treasure slipping off the deck to be lost in the waves?

Panic! Grasping! Clutching! Desperate! A nation divided, tense, disputing, and angry.

Sometimes I feel disillusioned. Exasperated. Helpless. Hopeless. Weary of the lies and “fake news”. What is the truth? Who can you trust?

TIRED…

A couple of weeks ago, I photographed this beached skiff on the rocky, soap suds shores of Soap Lake in Washington State. I don’t know how it came to this condition, but I could see that its glory days were past. Without a complete restoration, it would never sail again.

Answers will become clear as we, the Church, step out of the boat and walk with Jesus.

The United States of America. Our beloved vessel in the storm… rocked and listing, taking on water.

My true citizenship is in the Kingdom of Heaven. My patriotic loyalty and duty is to the King of Kings. And subsequently, to my fellow citizens (the Ecclesia).

So, how do I relate to my earthly citizenship? Where is Jesus in government, politics, elections, and policies? Where do I stand, and what do I do? How can I relate to other believers who disagree with my political values or choice of candidates? How can I align with my Father’s heart and mind in all of this?

Election day is right around the corner. Maybe these questions badger your mind, too.

The Lord and I are in an ongoing conversation.

“…But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.”

“… And when the disciples saw Him [Jesus] walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’” ~ See Matthew 14:22-33

According to John’s account, the disciples had been rowing from nightfall until about 3-5 AM against a great wind. They had progressed only 3-4 miles of their 8-mile journey. Under normal weather conditions, the journey across the Sea of Galilee would take 2-4 hours. The Sea of Galilee is known for its unexpected and severe storms. It was dark. They were toiling fruitlessly in the middle of the sea.

Peter recognized the voice of Jesus. And he responded. But not like we might expect. Peter did not implore Jesus to rescue him and his friends. Peter did not ask God to save the boat. Peter did not beg Jesus to stop the storm.

Amid the life-threatening storm, Peter could see only one solution – walk with Jesus! So, Peter asked Jesus to urge him to come.

“…So He [Jesus] said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”

Peter was walking on the water WITH JESUS! It was a moment of divine victory over the stormy elements. For a moment, fear was crushed. The false security of being in the boat no longer controlled Peter’s decision.

Read the story in Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:15-21. There is so much to glean.

In the dark. In the storm. Under extreme conditions. At the mercy of nature in the middle of the sea. Tired. Weary. Struggling. Fear was taking hold.

When Jesus showed up, their fear prevented them from recognizing Him. Instead, they “saw” a ghost.

Friends, Jesus is here, large as life, in the storm. He is walking on the storm. He is more than a conqueror. In Him, we are, too!

Fear distorts reality. It twists the truth.

Jesus IS speaking to His Church – corporately and individually. His VOICE, “Be of good CHEER. Be of good courage and comfort. IT IS I [Jesus]; do not be afraid!”

The Lord is exhorting me to imitate Peter’s passion to walk with Him. No desperate panic to find a solution to save the boat from the storm.

Walk with Jesus. Step out of the boat. Let go of the securities that have become encumbrances to walking freely with Him.

Walk with Jesus. It’s the place of victory. Beside Jesus is where change starts. It’s a place of fresh and honest perspective. From that place, choices can be made in alignment with the Father’s will. It’s a perspective you will never get by clinging to the boat.

“…And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’”

When Peter returned to the boat, he stepped into it with Jesus. Peter’s orientation and perspective of the storm aligned with Jesus’. The boat meant something different to Peter now. And Jesus’ presence swallowed up the distraction of fear.

The wind ceased. John’s account says that as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, they were instantly at their destination.

What might happen when we walk with Jesus? Your guess is as good as mine, but I guarantee you, it will be supernatural! Walking with Him brings His presence, His perspective, and His power!

Answers will become clear as we, the Church, step out of the boat and walk with Jesus.

BE OF GOOD CHEER! Jesus is walking and He’s urging us to join Him.

“Truly You are the Son of God.”

It’s the confession of those who have been divinely impacted by Jesus’ presence.

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Lyric Video ~ Hillsong UNITED

“Beached Nostalgia”