This past week as I was pondering Matthew 14:22-33, I got to wondering about Jesus' command to Peter to "Come." It was an act of faith for Peter to step out of the boat... and yes it can be just a "little faith" (the side of a mustard seed) that gives us the imputus to get out of the boat when Jesus calls. And that is where we put our focus-on our faith, or lack there of.
But what if we began to think about the command to "Come." as a call to experience the power of Jesus? After all Peter was able to take a number of steps and after they returned to the boat, Peter's experience caused all of the disciples to worship Jesus. What could an experience of holy power do to us? for us? Are we afraid what will happen if we do experience that kind of power? where will it take us? what will it require of us? how will it change our lives?
It is an unfortunate reality that when we do experience this holy power, we will eventually lose faith and sink like Peter did... for we are like Peter. The miracle here, however, is not that Jesus--God in human flesh--can walk on water. We expect that God has power over all of creation. The miracle is that Jesus saves us even when we have but a "little faith."
When we trust Jesus enough to bravely and trustingly engage the power of the holy, we are assured of a helping hand when our faith wanes in response to strong winds. And that, my friends, is a witness to the power of our Lord as well as to the depth of his mercy. Our experience of Jesus is a powerful testimony and enough to transform a whole boatload of people into worship Jesus and proclaiming, "Truly you are the Son of God."
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