Here is the video of last Sunday's sermon. The scripture referenced was Matthew 14:22-33, best known as the miracle of Jesus walking on the water. Since I'm so very late in getting this up (it's been a crazy week) I will only expand upon the end of the sermon. Very (very, very) often these verses are used to talk about faith. It's related to Peter's sinking in the waves due to his lack of faith. If only he, and we by extension... had enough faith we could too walk on water. I have a bit of bad news for you, no matter how strong your faith the laws of physics aren't going to bend to allow you to stroll around on top of liquid water without some additional form of floatation... but you're welcome to walk around all you like once winter hits and sufficient ice has formed... but back to my point. Is it really the point of sinking in water where Peter's lack of faith is realized? Or is it at this juncture:
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
It seems to me that Peter is doubting already, and worse he's asking for proof from Christ as to his true identity. He's in effect putting "God to the test", testing or bargaining with God isn't really a good idea. I know this from personal experience...
Peter really never had absolute faith, to begin with, or he wouldn't have asked for proof. In the sermon, I comment on why one doesn't necessarily have to believe that this was a supernatural event, and one doesn't by logical extension have to believe that Peter wanted a supernatural proof from Jesus. He just didn't have adequate faith.
But what happened? Even though he lacked faith, Jesus still came to his aid when he called out to Him for salvation. This is how it is for us too... none of us has adequate faith, we just don't... But, if we call out to God, in the words of the father in the 9th Chapter of the Gospel of Mark;
Mark 9:23 & 24
23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!
If we call out as Peter did sinking beneath the waves, then our Heavenly Father, will reach out His hand and pull us to the shore.
I pray that you've all had a wonderful and productive week!
Be a blessing to someone today!
In Christ,
Roy
Matthew 14:22-33 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,[a] for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Before I launched into the sermon, I did address the situation that unfolded in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. I no doubt took a somewhat different track and view on this horrible incident than many of my fellow clergy members. We must firmly and constantly renounce racism and antisemitic rhetoric in this world... but, we must recognize racism and hate from all sides. To give one side a 'pass' simply ratchets up the hate and conflict. For far too long groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter have been given kid gloves treatment. This not only emboldens and rewards them but, it emboldens and encourages groups like the KKK and White Supremacists.
Clearly, in this conflict, there is also blame to assign to the way the City of Charlottesville chose to handle (or not handle) the protestors. The police were woefully unprepared it would appear, as the protesters and counter-protesters should never have been allowed to be in such close quarters to one another.
The injuries and sadly the deaths that resulted are absolute tragedies and we all need to pray for those involved whether we agree with their politics and their actions or not.
May our Lord comfort and sustain the families of those who have died and comfort and heal those who have suffered injuries. May the love of Christ soften those hearts filled with hate and those focused upon revenge and retribution. May grace alone stand at the end of the day. Amen.
I enjoy reading an article that can make men and women think.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many thanks for permitting me to comment!