But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:27-31 ESV)"
If Jesus didn't give the command to come, then I suggest it would have taken faith--not just more faith, but faith period--to remain in the boat.
Notice that none of the other apostles who remained in the boat were charged with lacking faith--only Peter was charged with being of "little faith". Did not those who stayed in the boat, lack faith? It might seem so... so why be so "hard" on Peter about lacking faith? He did walk on water after all, and that seems pretty amazing. None of the others did that. Why not call them out and charge them with a lack of faith?
Here is the thing. Faith is not making great and wondrous efforts. Faith is heeding the Word of your Lord.
Do you--do I--desire to have faith? We must seek the the Word of our Lord. All other "faith" is not faith, but is counterfeit. Has he not called you out of the boat? Then don't think that to walk on water would take great faith. Keep your gaze on Him, and He will give you the Word you need to have great faith.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 ESV)
No comments:
Post a Comment