There is an incident in Matthew 14 where Jesus commanded his disciples to get into their boat and row to the other side of the lake, while Jesus went up a mountain to pray. “The boat was already a considerable distance from the land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it…” (Verse 24) when Jesus started walking ON the waters to reach them. Naturally the disciples were terrified and thought Jesus was a ghost, “but Jesus immediately said to them – “Take courage! IT IS I. DON’T BE AFRAID!” (verse 27)
Impetuous Peter exclaimed – “Lord, IF it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.” “COME,” Jesus said. (verses 28-29) We know the rest of the story, that Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, UNTIL he took his focus off Jesus and saw the wind and the waves, and started to sink, but he called out – “LORD, SAVE ME!” “IMMEDIATELY Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter…” (Verses 30-31)
In the event where Jesus walked on the water and rescued Peter, the word “immediately” is used twice. Jesus “immediately” encouraged and calmed the disciples, and He “immediately” pulled Peter out of the waters when He called out to Jesus to save him.
In Jeremiah 33:3 our Lord says to us – “CALL to Me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” This is an invitation from the Lord to call upon Him, to seek His will, and to discover the great and marvellous truths and insights He desires to reveal to us. Abba Father is willing to share with us His hidden wisdom, His divine guidance, revelation, understanding and knowledge, during prayer and studying His word when we sincerely call out to Him.
Jesus’ saving grace might not rescue us exactly as we desire, but He WILL make a way for us which is best for our good and for His glory. Do you perhaps feel lonely or lost? Jesus says to you in John 14:18 – “I will NOT leave you as orphans – “I WILL COME TO YOU.”
Jesus tells us in Matt. 11:28 – “COME TO ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What heavy burdens are you carrying right now which tire and exhaust you? Are you perhaps overwhelmed by your work, your relationships, your ministries and responsibilities? Jesus promises us that HE GIVES REST.
In Psalm 23:2 David wrote – “He (God) makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads/guides me beside the still and quiet waters.”
In Isaiah 58:11 Father God assures us – “The LORD will always guide you always; (not sometimes) He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” I think we ALL want to be like a well-watered garden where flowers blossom and bloom.
In Matthew 11:29 Jesus continued to say – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus promises us rest when we come to Him, that He will NEVER put us aside. John 6:37 (AMP Bible) says that “All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out.” Here we once again see the words “COME TO ME.”
What prevents you from coming closer to the Fountain of love, to receive the gift of LIFE? In Matt. 19:16 – 22 we read the story of a rich, upright young ruler with good morals, who came to Jesus, asking what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to keep the commandments, the man said he already did that. The man asked Jesus what he still needed to do, to enter heaven. Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions, to give to the poor, and to follow Him. The young man walked away sad because he was incredibly wealthy and unwilling to part with his riches.
When the disciples heard this story which Jesus told, they said – “Who then can be saved?” (Matt. 19:25b) “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (verse 26 AMP)
“NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!” (Luke 1:37) No matter what you are going through right now, come to Him – He WILL help you! If you fear that it seems impossible to give up what YOU think you must give up coming to Him – tell Him so! He will give you the courage to come to Him and tell Him your needs. He can give you the strength to die to self and sins and take Him into your life and reform and restore you.
Precious, blessed and most Holy Saviour, thank You that when we come to You, You will never reject or forsake us, but that You will gently listen to us, forgive us and lead us into the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake, and for our good.
Myrtle Turunen