John 6 –

¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷ where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

I can’t imagine rowing a boat three or four miles, let alone in stormy, rough waters.  But that’s what the disciples were doing just after they witnessed Jesus feeding five thousand people from a brown bag lunch. They are rowing with everything in them, fighting the wind and its obvious push against them and their efforts.  Exhausted, frustrated and fatigued they look up to see a man walking towards them on the water.  Now fear from not just from the violent weather but of this “ghost” sets in.

Can you imagine?  These physically strong and capable fishermen are at the end of their energy reserve, weakened by the exaggerated efforts of rowing against a storm.  And then emotionally, they experienced a fear that reduced these “manly” men to little boys afraid in the dark.  In every way, they were at their wits and bodies end.

But who does this “ghost” end up being, but Jesus Himself!  He didn’t need a boat to get him to the middle of the lake.  He was just there.  When they realize that it’s Him, they let Him into the boat and then it tells us that “immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”  

Isn’t that amazing?  All the work and effort that they were trying to put in on their own left them going nowhere fast in the storm.  But when they invited Jesus into the boat, they were at their destination IMMEDIATELY!  Nice.

Why did Jesus wait until they were 3-4 miles out in the lake to show up?  I can only guess, but here is my thought.  These were men who were as familiar with the water and boats as we are with a toothbrush and toothpaste.  They thought they could handle the storm.  They had faced countless other storms in the past, undoubtedly.  Maybe Jesus let them try for a time on their own to reveal to them their own weakness and need for Him.  But remember, He didn’t arrive to them in a boat.  He could have been there at any time that they might have called out His name for help. Either they didn’t see it as necessary or they didn’t remember who He was and what He could do. (Even though they had just come from witnessing an amazing miracle.)

And what happens when they finally let Him into their situation?  They immediately get to their destination.  Safe and sound.  Another miracle of Jesus’ mere presence and involvement completely altering circumstances.

This picture was so vivid in my mind, both literally and analogically.  I am a stubborn little twit who likes to do things by herself.  In my own strength with my own understanding.  I row and row and row against  the wind that is stronger than me.  I end up frustrated and exhausted.  Fear sets in when I see things I don’t understand. I come to the end of myself and realize I have nothing left to give or to draw from.  And finally, I realize that Jesus is right there.  Right in front of me, and I haven’t invited Him into my boat.  An “aha!  There’s Jesus!” moment happens and I ask Him to join me and suddenly the shore is in sight.  He gets me to where I need to go, safe and sound.  Not because of my own effort, but because of His own presence “to cheer and to guide”.

Jesus, help me to not even dip my oar in the water until you are in the boat…and then, no matter what storm arises, my trust will be in You getting me to my destination…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX_50AERr8M&w=420&h=315]