Bottom Line Up Front: Confidence in command.

Over the recent past I have been teaching through Matthew’s gospel, and we are all currently in Matthew 14 where Christ is told of the beheading of John the Baptist. Then, Christ teaches Peter and others about the proper locus of the Christian’s trust. Christ fed the 5,000, plus women and children, after multiplying the five loaves and two fish. And he did it to such a degree that 12 baskets full were left over (Mt 14:20). The point of course was that God is the sovereign provider. Men will let us down. We have been disappointed by others, and we have likely disappointed others ourselves.

Then you come to one of the most dramatic episodes in the NT wherein Peter, often more impulsive than wise, sees Christ walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee/Lake Gennesaret, and he pleads with Christ, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Mt 14:26). At first Peter, too, walked on the water, just so long as he kept his focus upon Christ. But you know the story, right? He began focusing on the wind and the whitecaps of waves, and found himself crying out to Christ, “Lord, save me” (Mt 14:30).

Christ did just that: he saved Peter from drowning, in several senses of that word. And the result of those others in the boats that witnessed all of it: “And those in the boats worshiped him [Christ], saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Mt 14:33).

Encouragement/takeaway: Peter learned to trust the One who was and is wholly in command, and who is not only in command but is also truly good. Peter had his confidence in command bolstered but through trials. Lord, increase our faith in You.