If you'd like to watch, click on Pastor Squatch Musings!

Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, bid me come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” And when Peter got out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Matthew 14:28–29, MEV

Many view these verses as a challenge from God, but the question we might want to ask is, “Who initiated the call to walk on water?” If we read carefully, we find that it was not Jesus but Peter. Jesus basically said to Peter’s request, “Go ahead!” How often do we try to take on the role of Jesus? We like to be in control and set the standards. We feel entitled to do certain things and be released from doing other things. Yet, how often do we simply ask Jesus to lead? Jesus won’t stop us from doing or trying some things when He knows they won’t truly hurt us. Like a good father, when a request is made by his child will sometimes allow the child to do something beyond their ability, not to embarrass but to establish limitations. Peter took a few steps, but then he began to sink. We will do the same from time to time, and in those moments, like Peter, we know that our Lord is always close at hand to rescue us. So often, we seek to do the exceptional when our Lord only seeks us to do what He has asked us to do: go and make disciples by baptizing them and teaching them. In this, we find our Lord’s peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.