2/12/14- Walking on the Water

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

22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. (John 6:16-24)

Thoughts: Perhaps two of the greatest miracles in the Bible (besides the resurrection) are the feeding of the 5,000 and Christ's walking on water.  Both show Christ's power over the elements, and Christ's provision for us- both for food, and for floating in the storms of life. John adds some thing to this story- that they were three or four miles away from shore.  This means that they saw Jesus far off.  The other gospels point out that they thought Jesus was a ghost.  Jesus' answer was to "not be afraid."  The last paragraph (22-24) verify the miracle.
      Jesus conquers the raging waters, the depths of the waters, the chaos of the waters.  If He created the water, it makes sense that he has power over the water.  He is our help. 

Prayer: Help us, O Lord.  You who walked on the waters, help us to overcome our chaos and our storms. 

Ivan alvazovsky 1888