Heard a sermon recently by a lay preacher at church. It focussed on the experience of Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water.
Matthew 14: 22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 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?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Jesus said, “come”, so Peter came. But was it due to his faith or his impetuousness. After all his doubt made him sink and he had to call out to Jesus in desperation.
We are all invited to “come” and it is up to us to take up the invitation.
A main point of the sermon was that we should ask God, “If you’re in this (the circumstance), tell me to come (and do your will)”. Then we need to listen for an answer.
I wonder about this ‘answer’ though. Do we perceive an answer that might be pure coincidence? I have done a post on that topic based on my own circumstances.
I once thought I was being led into teaching when all three applications for a dip ed were successful, I wasn’t expecting one. Then again when I was exposed to some emergency jobs as a patient transport officer, just as I was mulling over my paramedic application. There have been many trials and tribulations, but now that I’m in the Ambulance Service, I love it.
So maybe that’s the answer. Prayerful thought about everything and having patience for the response. Not being impetuous like Peter.
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2 comments:
Hmmm, interesting thoughts. Whether Peter was being impetuous, impulsive, impatient, or just had an extraordinary faith, we'll never know. However I wouldn't be trying to decide between faith OR impetuousness, as if he must have been driven by either one or the other. There can be no denial Peter had faith (even while being impetuous), and in any case, Jesus responds with "come". He doesn't wave Peter off or reprimand him, so who knows what Jesus thought of the whole thing? Clearly he was, at the very least, quite happy to respond to Peter, and I would guess more than.
Peter doubted, then he started to sink. This is a completely separate issue from whatever was driving him to act in the first place. He certainly wasn't doubting that it was Jesus in front of him. Had he never sunk, I guess he would have walked out to Jesus and they would have enjoyed the walk back to the boat? Conversely, had Peter never done anything there would have been no incident at all, nothing gained, nothing learned or experienced. (Let us never forget that even in our faltering, imperfect steps and mixed motivations God will fulfil His purpose).
Anyhow, what was Peter bing impatient for?
I agree, the sermon you outlined may be drawing a conclusion that can't really be drawn from this incident. It's not our perogative just to say "ok God, show me what's the deal here?" and force his hand to answer us straightaway. Errors and misunderstandings happen in our careful consideration, as much as in our impulses though. I think only wisdom can teach us when to look for an answer in the situation at hand, and when patient, careful consideration is the necessary thing.
I find it more interesting that Peter asked for a command, and only when it came, did he walk. Why did he ask for the command? Why did Jesus oblige? These are good questions for study.
On the question of the will of God, I would emphasise Matty B's words on wisdom. God does not tell us everything he wants us to do. He leaves much up to us to decide for ourselves, and expects us to apply the wisdom he has given us. The more we grow and mature, the more he leaves up to us. For an excellent explanation of this, look here:
http://www.littlewatchman.com/WillOfGod.htm
LB
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