Comments on: Stay in the Boat

By: Karen Cukrowski

Karen Cukrowski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:46:58 +0000

Mike, I find the account of Jesus walking on the water in Mark the most fascinating, hilarious, and flat-out weird: “About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost…” (vv. 48-49). Jesus had previously seen they were struggling earlier–but no, those travails didn’t merit Jesus running over and helping. And it seems in this account that he’s NOT walking on the water at “the fourth watch” to go help the disciples then either; we can maybe infer he’s going SOMEWHERE ELSE or for some other purpose. Isn’t that strange? He was walking on the water, passing them by. What? Why?

Maybe, at our most brilliant and insightful, we still have no idea what Jesus was/is about. He’s the kind of guy who could be strolling on a lake, his purposes, thoughts, direction as foreign to us as if the account read “And Jesus flew to the moon to pray.” Or whatever.

Regardless, I’m delighted that Jesus is willing to stop and help me in my all-too-human struggles, even when he has bigger, better, and more mysterious things to do.

Peace,
Karen Cukrowski

By: Sarah Paulk

Sarah Paulk — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:42:55 +0000

Thank you for your words tonight. It was exactly the encouragement I needed – to be reminded of the personal interest the Lord takes in our fears, be them ever so small. Blessings.

By: Links of the Week | The Flyleaf Montage

Links of the Week | The Flyleaf Montage — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:54:53 +0000

[...] I have never thought about Peter walking on the water in this way before, so I appreciate a new [...]

By: Roger Butner

Roger Butner — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:27:57 +0000

Good food for thought, Mike! I have often shared the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus in much the same light to which you were contrasting your point. I must say I found your conclusion rather jarring at first – “Stay in the boat.” But sometimes jarring is very good. Jesus had plenty of things to say that are jarring, to say the least. I’ll be thinking and reading back through this one for a while. Thanks.

By: Royce Ogle

Royce Ogle — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:48:15 +0000

The most interesting part of the story to me is verse 22 which says “Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.”

Knowing the storm would come, He “made them” get in the boat. Does Jesus know every storm of life we will face? Absolutely He does. Is there a safer place to be than in the midst of a storm with the knowledge He knows we are there, and might have designed it just for you?

In the boat or out of it, safety is only found in Him.

Royce

By: Buzz Ball

Buzz Ball — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:45:59 +0000

Mike: Thank you for this thought. It comes at a very important time in my life – facing economic issues, health related difficulties and parenting issues. This has given me hope at a most difficult time. Thank you.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:56 +0000

These are great thoughts, Mike. Thanks.

I learn from this text that there is safety with Jesus, whether I’m in the boat or on the stormy sea. Since Peter was in a tormented boat, and Jesus was walking on the water, perhaps safety (security) was Peter’s goal. He learned a little more about trusting when he took his eyes off Jesus, but then felt the pull of his hand. All the disciples learned, in fact, because they did worship him.

I’m thinking that when I’m in a tormented boat, I can approach Jesus even if being where he is seems whacky. Whacky is OK, if I am secure. He might take me back to boat, but if he is there, I’ll be safe. I’ve just got to trust him.

This story helps me do that. And if he is worthy of my trust, he is also worthy of my worship. Your thoughts add to that.

By: LukeD

LukeD — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:05:51 +0000

Mike,

I agree with a lot of what you say about this passage, but honestly, I’m not sure that there’s enough in Biblical account to be dogmatic about the issue (i.e. whether or not Peter should be commended for getting out of the boat) one way or the other.

After all, it wasn’t Jesus’ idea, but He still told Peter to “Come.” Would it have been better for Peter to have disobeyed what Jesus told him?

By: Marla

Marla — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:48:13 +0000

very nice advent meditation — waiting and anticipating the coming of Jesus.

By: Keith Brenton

Keith Brenton — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:18:59 +0000

But … but … I thought it was all about ME! Me, doing everything I’m supposed to do! Me, having faith enough to move a mountain! Me, being good steward of God’s gifts! Me, meeting Jesus halfway even if there’s howling wind around me and roiling waves below me!

Me, me, ME!

By: JD

JD — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:17:59 +0000

Great thoughts on this familiar passage. I don’t remember hearing anyone take this slant on the event before, although it certainly fits. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the encouragment!

By: kathy s

kathy s — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:30:14 +0000

I love this story, Mike. Thank you for reminding us that Jesus is the only one we should worship and the only one we seek to imitate.

By: annie

annie — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:17:02 +0000

Mike Cope, You’re the best. Thanks.

By: Eddy

Eddy — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:45:22 +0000

Encouraging to know that just cuz Peter took his eyes off of Jesus didn’t mean Jesus took his eyes off of Peter. Sometimes we are afraid when the Lord approaches us.

By: David

David — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:39:59 +0000

“If it is you Lord, ask me to come.” Quite interesting that Peter was trying to define the terms of their relationship. Maybe this was Peter’s way of tryng to be in control when he felt out of control. Possibly a point to ponder is that maybe I want to control the relationship I have with God – which I guess is sort of oxymoronic. “If it is you Lord, ask me to (fill in the blank).”