Matthew 14:28-31 (MSG)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 Message translation of this story is more favorable to Peter and
may encourage us a bit. The older translations quote Christ as saying, “Oh ye
of little faith” and it seems as though Jesus offers a harsh rebuke. Those
interpretations seem to paint Jesus as disregarding Peter’s bold faith to even
think he could step out of the boat and come to Him. The interpretation from
The Message doesn’t change the record of events, but it does show a more
compassionate Savior. He calls Peter Faint-heart and asks, “What got into you?”
The difference in the interpretations shows the encouragement Jesus brings with
the rebuke. It’s as though He’s acknowledging Peter’s bold faith with pride,
but also validating He knows Peter let fear get the best of Him. Have you
mustered the courage to step boldly in faith, but now see the reality of the
storms of life crashing in on you? Take your eyes off the wind and waves and
focus back on the One who can calm the storm. Don’t beat yourself up as having
no faith…remember you were bold enough to step out of the boat! Strengthen your
faint heart and walk on!
Father, I know my faith is strong, but I also have physical eyes and
ears. My Spirit wants to focus on Jesus and walk boldly in joy to be embraced
by Him standing on the water. But my physical perspective distracts me and
makes my heart faint. Strengthen my Spirit to look past the storms and focus on
the One You sent to walk with me on the stormy seas…in peace. I love You! Amen
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