WELCOME HIM ONBOARD

Matthew 14:32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

The disciples had been dismissed by Jesus to go ahead to the other side via the sea route. Unfortunately, they run into so issues as the winds were against them. It was obvious they had been struggling for many hours because Jesus went up the mountain to pray for many hours until late, before setting off.

When he finds them just before dawn, the toil of trying not to sink coupled with the sight of a man walking on water contributed to their terror and resolution that he was a ghost. That is where we hear the words of comfort which sit at the heart of today’s text “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”(Matthew 14:27b)

Literal translations of the text renders the same verse this way ‘“Take courage! I AM; do not be afraid.” Jesus had already said this in John 8:58″ Before Abraham was, I AM. Those statements are very similar to the introduction God presented to Moses in Exodus 3:14 “I AM THAT I AM”

So while you row against the tide, making little progress despite the passage of time in leaps and bounds, the message to you is “be of good cheer, I AM”. Jesus has made his way to you, and yours is to fix your gaze on him and take him into the boat.

The wind ceased when He was aboard! So, stop toiling in the storm, and let Jesus aboard the boat of your life, lest you sink.

#sly