Walking On Water

A Journey of Fear, Faith, and Courage

The story of Jesus walking on water is a miraculous event recorded in three of the Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21. This narrative not only showcases Jesus' divine authority over nature but also offers profound lessons on faith, fear, and courage. Let’s delve into this remarkable event and explore its significance for our spiritual journey.

Setting the Scene

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray (Matthew 14:22-23, Mark 6:45-46, John 6:15). As night falls, the disciples find themselves in the middle of the sea, battling strong winds and waves. It is in this setting of crisis and chaos that Jesus approaches them, walking on the water.

Faith in the Midst of the Storm

Matthew 14:25-29 (NIV): "Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' 'Lord, if it’s you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."

Peter’s impulsive actions are an extraordinary act of faith. Trusting in Jesus’ command, he steps out of the boat and walks on water. This moment highlights the power of faith to empower us to transcend our natural limitations and confront our fears when we keep our focus on Jesus. While we might not literally walk on water, we do navigate challenging situations. If we concentrate on the difficulties around us instead of seeking Jesus' help, we risk despair and failure. To sustain our faith during tough times, focus on Jesus' strength rather than our own shortcomings.

The Reality of Fear

Matthew 14:30-31 (NIV): "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"

Peter’s fear overtakes him when he shifts his focus from Jesus to the surrounding storm. Peter’s impulsive actions often led to failure. Jesus always emphasized the importance of understanding the full gravity of the situation before committing to it. This illustrates how fear can undermine our faith. However, it also shows that in our moments of doubt and fear, calling out to Jesus will bring His immediate help and reassurance. When we are anxious about the challenges around us and doubt Christ’s presence or ability to assist, remember that He is always with us and is the only one who can truly help. Our faith is marked not by the absence of failure but by the ability to rise and continue after each fall.

Courage in Christ

Mark 6:50-51 (NIV): "Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed."

The disciples were frightened, but Jesus’ voice bid them to take heart and have no fear. In Mark's account, Jesus’ words and actions emphasize the call to courage. Biblically, courage means trusting in Jesus' presence and power even in the face of fear. His presence brings peace and calms the storms in our lives. When we confront our fears, do we try to handle them alone, or do we turn to Jesus for strength? His presence offers peace and security, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. Whether facing personal challenges, unexpected crises, or overwhelming circumstances, we can find solace knowing that Jesus is by our side, ready to provide strength, guidance, and support. This assurance gives us the courage to navigate difficult times with confidence and hope, trusting in His unwavering love and care.

Marks Foot Note - Hardened Hearts

Reflecting on Mark 6:52, "for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened," we see that Mark’s footnote to this episode is a crucial detail explaining why these events occurred. The use of the word “for” in verse 52 indicates causation or reason. In other words, Jesus orchestrated these events because the disciples had not understood the lesson from the miracle of the loaves. The disciples witnessed the miraculous feeding of the five thousand but failed to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus' actions. They saw the miracle but did not internalize its significance regarding Jesus’ divine power and provision. Jesus allowed these events to unfold to further teach and reveal Himself to the disciples. Their lack of insight and hard hearts necessitated additional experiences that would open their eyes to His true nature and mission. Mark attributes their lack of understanding to their hardened hearts, suggesting a spiritual dullness or insensitivity. Despite being close to Jesus and witnessing His miracles, their preconceived notions and lack of faith hindered them from fully comprehending who He was.

Just as the disciples struggled with hardened hearts, we too can become spiritually insensitive. It’s important to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be resisting God’s truth or failing to perceive His work in our lives. The incident emphasizes the necessity of depending on Jesus for spiritual insight. Without His intervention, our understanding remains limited. Seeking His guidance and revelation is crucial for deepening our faith. God uses various events in our lives to teach us and grow our faith. Recognizing and reflecting on these lessons can prevent the hardening of our hearts and open us to greater spiritual truths. By understanding the disciples’ struggle, we can be more mindful of our own spiritual journey. Keeping our hearts soft and receptive to Jesus’ teachings ensures that we gain the insights necessary to grow in faith and understanding.

Recognizing Jesus’ Presence

John 6:20-21 (NIV): "But he said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."

John’s account highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus’ presence. Jesus does not just watch from afar but comes to the aid of his disciples with outstretched arms in their moment of need. Once the disciples welcome Him into their boat, they immediately reach their destination safely.This signifies that acknowledging Jesus in our lives brings resolution and peace.

Lessons for Our Spiritual Journey

1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: Peter’s experience teaches us to maintain our focus on Jesus, especially when facing life’s challenges. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) reminds us, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
2. Cry Out for Help: When overwhelmed by fear, we should not hesitate to cry out to Jesus. Psalm 34:17 (NIV) says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."
3. Embrace Courage: True courage is trusting in Jesus despite our fears. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) encourages us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
4. Recognize His Presence: Jesus’ presence in our lives is a constant source of peace and guidance. Matthew 28:20 (NIV) assures us, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Conclusion

The story of Jesus walking on water is a powerful reminder of the interplay between faith, fear, and courage. It calls us to step out in faith, confront our fears with the assurance of Jesus’ presence, and find courage in Him. As we navigate our spiritual journey, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, cry out for help when needed, embrace the courage He provides, and always recognize His constant presence in our lives.

By embracing these lessons, we can face the storms of life with confidence and peace, knowing that Jesus is with us, guiding us safely to our destination.

Soli Deo Gloria

Daughters of Zelophehad

Inheritance and Integrity

How God Makes Room for the Marginalized

Courageous Faith and Divine Justice

How the Daughters of Zelophehad Changed History

Numbers 27:1-12

In Numbers 27:1-12, we find a unique moment in Israel’s history—a story of five daughters of Zelophehad: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah who courageously stood before the assembly to request an inheritance. Their father, Zelophehad, had died without any sons, leaving questions about how his land would be divided. The daughters’ boldness to present their case to Moses highlights themes of faith, justice, and trust in God. This story also challenges us with questions about how we approach justice and advocate for what is right.

The Context: A Rachel Tribe with a Special Petition?

The daughters of Zelophehad were from the tribe of Manasseh, a “Rachel tribe,” descending from Joseph. Although there’s no evidence that their request received special consideration because of this lineage, we might wonder:

• Does God sometimes allow familial or tribal associations to play a part in His favor?

• How do our backgrounds shape our approach to God?

These women’s courage speaks volumes; they dared to petition Moses and the leaders for justice. Rather than passively accepting a system that denied them inheritance rights, they stepped forward to seek fairness.

Not Yet in the Promised Land: Was the Land in Question Merely “Future Lands”?

At the time, the Israelites had not yet crossed into the Promised Land. This was a bold request, then, because it wasn’t about land they already possessed but about land they hoped to inherit.

• How does our trust in God’s promises for the future affect our actions today?

• Are there ways we might be holding back because of uncertainty about the future?

The daughters’ request for a place in the inheritance of their father showed their faith that God would bring Israel into the land and that they would one day receive their portion.

The Petition and Divine Consultation

The daughters presented their case directly and respectfully, expressing a desire to preserve their father’s name and secure a place for their family among their people. Moses, instead of making a quick decision, brought their case to God. God’s response was clear: “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right” (Numbers 27:7), affirming their plea and establishing a precedent for future cases.

• How do we approach situations where justice is at stake?

• Are we as committed to seeking God’s guidance in matters of justice and fairness, even when we’re uncertain of the outcome?

Moses’ willingness to seek divine guidance rather than rely on his judgment highlights the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in complex matters, especially when justice is involved.

A New Statute for Inheritance

In response to the daughters’ case, God established a new law. If a man died without sons, his inheritance would pass to his daughters, then to his brothers, and so forth. This change was groundbreaking, showing that God’s laws are adaptable for justice and fairness.

• Do we see God’s law as flexible or static?

• What does this story tell us about God’s concern for individuals who might be overlooked by society?

The daughters’ request shows us that God’s justice is not limited by societal norms or traditions. He is attentive to those on the margins, ensuring they receive their rightful place in His kingdom.

Tradition and Tribal Integrity

Later, in Numbers 36, we see that the tribe of Manasseh raised a concern that if the daughters married outside their tribe, the land would transfer to another tribe. To prevent this, Moses ruled that the daughters could marry anyone they chose, provided they married within their tribe. This law preserved tribal inheritances and boundaries.

• How do we balance personal freedom with the needs and traditions of our community?

• In what ways do we see God’s care for community integrity and individual rights working together?

This ruling kept the integrity of Israel’s tribal system intact, showing that God’s justice also considers the community’s needs, not just individual desires.

Application and Reflection

1. Courage and Initiative

The daughters of Zelophehad showed remarkable courage and initiative by presenting their case. They approached Moses respectfully, demonstrating both faith and dignity.

• How can we be courageous yet respectful when advocating for justice in our lives or communities?

• Are there areas where God is calling us to step forward with faith, even if it’s uncomfortable?

2. God’s Concern for the Vulnerable

This story reflects God’s heart for the marginalized. He made room for these women when society might have overlooked them.

• Do we recognize and act on God’s call to advocate for the vulnerable in our communities?

• How can we reflect God’s concern for justice in our daily lives?

3. Trust in God’s Justice and Provision

The daughters’ request wasn’t simply about land but about family honor and legacy. They trusted God to provide for them and their family’s future.

• Where do we need to trust God’s justice and provision in our own lives?

• How can we rest in God’s promises even when the outcome isn’t immediate or clear?

4. Law, Adaptability, and Fairness

This story shows that God’s law is not rigid but adaptable to ensure fairness. The new statute allowing daughters to inherit when there are no sons highlights God’s justice.

• How do we understand the role of tradition versus adaptability in our faith journey?

• Are we open to God’s ways of doing justice, even when it challenges our established ideas?

Conclusion

The story of Zelophehad’s daughters calls us to a life of faith, courage, and justice. These women were pioneers, opening up a new legal pathway for future generations. Their story is a reminder that God cares deeply about fairness, even when human systems fall short. Through their bold example, we see a God who listens, who values every person’s dignity, and who enacts laws that protect the vulnerable and preserve the integrity of the community.

In their story, we find challenges for our lives today:

• Are we willing to seek justice in the face of obstacles?

• Do we trust God with our future, even if it seems uncertain?

• How can we better serve as advocates for others, showing the same boldness and trust in God?

The daughters of Zelophehad inspire us to live boldly, trust deeply, and pursue God’s justice in every area of our lives. 

Let us pray a bidding prayer inspired by the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, using the response: “Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.”

Leader:

Heavenly Father, we come before You, inspired by the courage of the daughters of Zelophehad, who stood for justice and trusted in Your provision. Strengthen us to follow their example as we bring our prayers to You.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

Lord, grant us the courage to stand up for what is just and fair, especially when advocating for those who are overlooked or marginalized. Give us boldness and humility to act in ways that honor Your truth.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

Father, teach us to trust in Your promises and provision, even when the future seems uncertain. Help us rest in the assurance that You care deeply for each of us, and that Your plans are for our good.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

Compassionate God, open our hearts to those in need, and empower us to be advocates for justice in our communities. May we reflect Your love and be Your hands and feet to those who need encouragement and support.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

Lord, help us to honor the values of family, community, and integrity. Guide us in balancing personal freedoms with a commitment to the common good, as we seek to uplift and protect those around us.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

God of wisdom, grant us discernment to know when to uphold tradition and when to embrace change for the sake of justice. Make us willing vessels of Your will, ready to respond to Your Spirit’s leading.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

We bring these prayers before You, trusting in Your unfailing love and justice. May we always seek Your guidance and walk humbly in Your ways.

Lord, in Your mercy,

All: Hear our prayer.

Leader:

Heavenly Father, receive these prayers we offer in faith, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria