“Maintaining one’s focus”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Friday, June 7, 2024
Matthew 14: 22-36 (Forward, p. 40) CEV p. 1001
Sometimes critics, especially those of a more rationalist or naturalist mind-set, get so worked up about certain things, that they miss the point. This is especially true when it comes to the Holy Bible, the Scriptures. Here, with today’s account, they get ‘all hot and bothered’ over the allegation that Jesus walked on the water.
Thus, they ‘imagine’, contrary to the clear assertion that the boat was a long way from the shore, that Jesus was simply walking along the shore or wading through the shallows and the disciples, in the dim, pre-dawn light couldn’t tell the difference.
But then, first off, they forget or gloss over the biblical understanding that Jesus was, and is, God, and if God, then capable of feats not normally within the range of human abilities. So, for God, the God who created the entire universe and set in motion all the laws that govern it, including water, to be able to suspend those laws and walk on water, then why not? And, of course, He who set those laws in motion may ‘just’ know more about those laws than we do! Maybe within those ‘laws’ there is something that makes this possible. Who knows?
But, to me there is an even greater or more significant ‘story’, namely Peter himself being ‘enabled’ to walk on the water. Peter was enabled to do this, but only as long as he kept his eyes, his focus, on Jesus. As soon as he noticed how ferocious the wind was, he lost his focus, his focus on Jesus, became afraid, and started to sink.
To me, that is a kind of acted out parable. When we keep our eyes, our focus, on Jesus, all is well. But when we see what might well seem to be insurmountable problems, we lose that focus, become afraid, and begin to sink down amid those problems or issues. And so, the answer is to keep our eyes, our focus, on Jesus and let Him, He who is God Almighty, guide us and take us over our persistent and harrowing problems. Thanks be to God that He is there for us. Amen.
Forward notes: “So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus” (verse 29).
“I give kudos to Peter for his willingness to step out of the boat. Peter is maligned for not having enough faith, but he knew where Jesus was: in the darkness and chaos. Peter stepped out, willing to risk.
“My wife, Jeanie, is a deacon in the Episcopal Church. She’s always in the front row with her hand up before Jesus can finish asking, ‘Whom shall I send?’ I’m in the back row, slumped down, trying to be invisible. Jeanie’s willing to be first in the water while I’m white knuckling it in the boat. She’s willing to plunge into the tumult of life because she knows, deep within, that’s where Jesus is. She’s been with Jesus in spaces filled with pain, injustice, and suffering.
“Jeanie held out her hand to me, a reluctant disciple, as I got out of the boat, and we journeyed together into unfamiliar, troubled territory, where Jesus is: under the bypasses to feed the unhoused, teaching in prisons, Haitian mission trips, and serving for years at homeless missions.”
Moving Forward: “Be mindful today of your willingness to go where Jesus is.”