Where is Jesus? Part 1

On November 4, I gave the message at Mission of Hope’s Worship Service. I have been asked to share it in a more public forum, so I thought I’d share it here on my blog in several parts. Here is part 1.

Matthew 14:22As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

Patty and I have been friends since 5^th grade. I’m not sure why, but somehow over the years we drifted apart. I’m grateful God crossed our paths again in just the last few years, through facebook of all places. We both learned quickly that we each have a relationship with Jesus which has made our reunion even more special. Patty lives in Maryland, and even though we are thousands of miles apart, I feel closer to her now than when I saw her every day in school.

As Hurricane Sandy was heading toward the east coast this week, my mind was consumed with thoughts of Patty and her family. I texted her Sunday to see how she was. I expected to hear it was going to be bad, but her response alarmed me… “They are saying it’s the worst hurricane to hit our area head on. Thankfully we have a generator. I might be home alone if they have Lewis (her husband) stay at work to secure the building. Crazy! We appreciate the prayers…it’s going to be a bad one.” I texted back, saying I would be praying for her and I asked her to keep me posted.

(Message continued tomorrow in Part 2…)