The gospel reading is about Jesus
inviting Peter, at Peter’s request, to walk on the water. Peter was one of
Jesus’ chosen ones. Jesus called Peter and had faith that Peter could do this
and encouraged him to do so. We have sometimes thought that Peter sank because
he lost faith in Jesus, but this is not consistent with the story. When he
sank, Peter called to Jesus to rescue him. If he had lost faith in Jesus,
surely he would have tried to get back to the boat under his own steam, or he
would have called to those in the boat to save him, not Jesus. He lost faith in HIMSELF when he took his
eyes off Jesus.
Peter literally got cold feet,
something that many of us have experienced. Jesus brought him back to safety.
The underlying call is for the courage and confidence to do what we
could not imagine ourselves doing in the following of Christ. This requires faith in ourselves and
encouragement from others in demonstration of their faith in us.
Where are we glimpsing Christ through the mist now? Does it excite us? Deep down, would you like to have a go? Well, you know what to do, ask God and watch
for the response!
Rev Julianne Parker (see sermons page for full sermon)
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