Get You Feet Wet

The disciples of Jesus were in a small boat traveling by night across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had stayed behind on the other side of the shore to pray in a secluded spot. It had been a busy day of ministering to a crowd of thousands.

The wind blew strong against the boat, and the disciples struggled hard against the oars. They were most grateful for the expert skill of the former fishermen among them, the Sons of Zebedee, Peter, and his Brother Andrew; though at times even their abilities seemed no match for the storm they fought against. There would be no rest this night.

As the morning light rose over the horizon the weary wind-battered disciples looked out across the sea and spotted a very strange sight. It looked like the form of a man skirting over the surface of the water. Some thought perhaps it was a trick of the rising sun's rays across the water. A couple rubbed their eyes convinced it was just the lack of sleep getting to them. The spector came closer into view and it was definately a man - or something. Judas seemed to sum up the opinion of the others as he cried, "A g-g-g-g-ghost!"; simultaneously scurrying backwards like a crab to the bow of the boat.

The seeming apparition came into view and it called to them, "Don't be scared. It is me."

Peter knew the voice of his Master. "It's Jesus", he said in an excited manner to the others who were yet in various states of disbelief. Peter himself was amazed. He had seen Jesus do many things like heal people of their sickness and raise the dead. Prophets and holy men were expected to do that sort of thing. Jesus had just multiplied some loaves and small fishes to feed an entire multitude. Elisha had done something similar; albeit on a smaller scale. But, this was something new - strange and unusual. Was such a thing even possible? He couldn't believe his eyes so he decided to settle it once and for all.

He stood up at the edge of the boat and called out to Jesus, "Lord if it is you, command me to walk across the water!"

Jesus was the picture of tranquility and peace. The strong wind didn't even seem to rustle his garment. The Lord met his challenge and called out to him, "Come".

So without giving it a second thought Peter sprung over the side of the boat and began walking across the surface of the waters. As he headed toward Jesus there was such a mix of thrill and joy in his heart and a slight queasy feeling in his gut. His mind was trying to tell him this was impossible but it was hard to argue with his feet as they moved across the water's surface.

Jesus awaited him with open arms; much like a parent watching their child walk for the first time. A smile spread across the Lord's face; Peter always had that affect on him.



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I've been thinking about this story lately. I'm particularly stirred by that picture of Peter leaping over the side of the boat - throwing all care to the wind. What possessed him to do such a thing? Sure it was one thing to expect Jesus to walk on water; but, what in the world made him think he could do the same? After all, he was just a man, not the Messiah, not the Son of God. But, that was really the point. His faith wasn't in himself; he just knew that as long as he had Jesus he could do anything - even the impossible.

I think about what Peter didn't do. He didn't try to intellectualize the situation. He didn't pause to check the direction of the wind and the airspeed. He didn't try to figure out if it would be better to run, or walk, or crawl. He didn't reach over the edge of the boat and test the water with his hand or his big toe. He didn't do some practice runs. He didn't stop and hold a theological conference with his fellow disciples to determine if it was possible. He didn't stop and pull out a scroll and see if any of the prophets had anything to say about walking on water.

He just did it.

He didn't ask that Jesus would catch him up and teleport him across or whisk him out of the boat with a whirlwind. He didn't ask that Jesus' would take over his legs and drive him out of the boat. He took the first step and then another and other. He took the initiative. He jumped out in the water and got his feet wet.

And he walked across the water ...



... at least for a short while; but, that is another story.