Daily Devotions
March 16th, 2012 by Pastor SolleyMatt 14:22-31
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
We have been looking at the different types of faith on display in this passage. (1) The faith of the multitude. It was a curious faith that wanted to get from Jesus all that they could without giving anything in return. (2) The faith of the disciples. It was an obedient yet comfortable faith. They obeyed Jesus in getting into the ship and were comfortable there. (3) The faith of Peter. Peter stepped out of the ship to go to Jesus. His was a moving and sacrificial faith. Peter left the safety of the ship to go to Jesus. Now this morning let us consider the faith of Jesus. The faith of Jesus is a sustaining and rewarding faith. Some question if Jesus had faith and I believe that He did. But consider this, as the true and the living God, as the one who created all things and keeps all things, as the all-powerful, all-knowing God, the faith of Jesus is a faith that will sustain our faith and even reward our faith. Jesus had no problem telling Peter to come to Him on the water. Why? Because Jesus knew that He could sustain Peter and even save Peter when trouble arose. And Jesus had the faith to reward Peter and we see that in two ways here. Peter did walk on the water, and Peter was returned to the ship by Jesus. The faith of Jesus is a sustaining and rewarding faith. Remember that the next time you know God wants you to step out, to make a sacrifice for Him. He will sustain in whatever He has called you to do. And He and He alone will reward your faith.