Jesus said, Come and Follow Me # 343

Matthew 14:27

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

The disciples were in their fishing boat in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. Jesus, knowing that the disciples were in despair, came to them, walking on water. However, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

The disciples were experienced fishermen. Encountering rough seas was normal for them, so they weren’t afraid of it. However, seeing someone walking on top of the water coming to them was terrifying. Fear distorted their vision, and they could not recognize that it was Jesus. They weren’t afraid of the old and familiar things but were scared of the new. Due to traditions, some will embrace the old ways and reject a fresh revelation from the Lord. Unless they release the past, they won’t be able to enter the new.

On the ship, they rationalized among themselves what they saw. In their traditional ways of thinking, they concluded that it was a ghost. Rationalization is the enemy of faith. Unable to see beyond the normal prevents them from seeing Christ. The revelation of Christ is obscure to those blinded by worldly wisdom. As believers, we walk by faith, not by sight. Those that walk by sight have little faith.

The ship is a symbol of the church where God’s people attend. In the past, Jesus was in the boat with them. Now, the presence of the Lord is no longer in the boat. He has departed since and is doing a new thing. Each disciple has a choice to make, stay or leave the place. Reminding in the old led to stagnant and eventually spiritual death. Leaving the old ways causes spiritual growth and faith to increase.

Jesus was no longer in the boat with His disciples. He challenged them by walking on water to come out or stay in the old ways. Like the disciples, there will be a day when we have to choose. Remain in the old traditional place, or follow after Christ. It is a spiritual life and death choice that each must make. Peter asked, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. Consider the response from the Lord. Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. What is your choice?

Mat 14:24, Mat 14:26, 2 Co 5:7, Mat 14:28, Mat 8:22

KJV