The first post in last weeks gospel discussion reads:"the transfiguration of burn-out".This week in the future will be the first that I will preach after a 5 day silent retreat and a week of vacation. Both the earlier comment and the opening lines of this gospel speak to me.I don't know what will be going on in my parish when I return - we are in the midst of trying to work out the details of building a church.
At present we are meeting in the church of a gracious United Methodist congregation that has been home for the last 21 months. Everybody concerned would like to move on to the next stage. I hope to return renewed and invigorated to help the parish through this next difficult stage.
I am not Jesus or Peter but I find myself identifing with both of them in this story. I'm sure that I am in good company with the rest of my sisters and brothers here at DPS. The stress since the beginning of 1999 has been tremendous. It may be analogous to bearing a child and being both the mother and the midwife. Upon my return from retreat I will be eager to read what you great minds come up with on this lection. Until then,
Deke in Texas -- Pax et Bene
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
Stikes me as an odd test Peter requests. This is a way of testing the reality of Jesus, right? Wouldn't the more natural test be to ask JESUS to perform some magic act? Like he should turn a somersault on the water.... Or how about simply, "Lord, come closer so we can see if it is really you."? But that would mean Jesus is at our command; we tell him what to do to prove himself, and then he does it.
What does it mean to ask Jesus to command ME to do something, as a proof that it is indeed him?
Let's see, if Jesus were to command me to "Love your neighbor." I would probably recognize that as authentic, maybe a proof that it is Jesus. But a lot of people know that "love-talk", so maybe it's a trick.
Why does Peter ask to get up on top of the water? Is it the "come to you" part? The authentic voice of Jesus is the one that says, "Come to me" no matter what the obstacles? Is that how I am supposed to recognize the voice? If it's really you, Lord, at the soup kitchen downtown, command me out of my nice home in suburbia to come to you there. It is only if you call me that I can get out of this relatively safe boat and go the places where YOU are already at work.
That Peter. I thought he was a bozo. Maybe he knew something after all.
Sara in GR,MI
I don't have a contribution but a question. It seems that somewhere over the last two decades I heard about a book called "The Walk on Water Syndrone" or something to that effect. Has anyone else heard of this and know anything, or is it just my imagination. Robert in Charlotte
Robert,
I believe I have *The Walk On Water Syndrome* by Robert Dale somewhere in my library--read it in seminary in the early/mid 80's. If memory serves (big if!), it has to do with expectations of pastors and expectations that we pastors place on ourselves. You've got me interested and I will try to locate it.
For various reasons, I will be preaching this text on 8/1. Haven't got far yet but at this point I am thinking of the positive qualities that Peter shows more than the lack of faith.
Dave in the Illinois cornfields
I found it. The book is by Edward Bratcher and addresses the hazards of professional ministry, one of which is the expectation to "walk on water."
Dave
Thanks Dave in the Cornfields. It's a help
One source I read said this was the first time in Matthew that the disciples were compelled to go on their on. Regardless of that it is interesting that he "made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side" (verse 22, NRSV). Why the reluctance on the part of the disciples? Then, a few verses later they don't recognize him (they thought he was a ghost).
I don't know if this is relevant, but it did strike me as I read this time.
Very Early, JJ In Charleston, SC
This is a story about faith, about Peter. Just look at him throughout all the gospels - he continued to risk (write or wrong), perhaps his greatest weakness was when he denied our Lord three times; but over all we have a man that was willing to insert foot in his big mouth over and over again, as he sought to follow his Lord. We on the other hand are so prudent that faith has become nothing other than a dead noun which really has no meaning (just look at the Gallop Poll). To regain Peter's risk is to regain a faith that is life transforming.
tom in ga
A godly Episcopal priest once preached a sermon where he described faith as that which takes one outside of his comfort zone. Stepping outside of the comfortable and into the faith zone. A perfect description of Peter's act in this week's lesson. Stepping out of our comfort zones, while staying focused on Christ, is what the Christian life ought to be about.
And isn't the goal of a godly preacher to be the encouraging of this kind of stepping out? Somebody once said wisely that a godly preacher comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. Here's hoping you desperate preachers are godly one's, stepping on the toes of the comfortable, swift kicking the comfortable in the pews to step out in faith and trust God for small miracles, to include the miracle of bringing another sinner to repentance and the saving knowledge of Christ as Lord, and as Tom in Ga. has put so well, encouraging them to risk foot-in-mouth disease as Peter did.
Afflict away oh desperate ones... the comfortable await your prodding!
Rick in Va
Sara, I think you are on to something here. I think you are right but there may be more. Is Peter really questioning the reality of Jesus or the reality of Peter's faith? If Peter is wishing to verify the reality of Jesus, the test doesn't make sense because as the story shows, Peter's ability to walk on the water is primarily based on Peter's faith. When his faith begins to fail he begins to sink.
Peter, in his heart, knows it's Jesus. Now he wants to know if he can be like Jesus. Can this power which surrounds Christ be spread to others? So he plays a game of 'dare me.'
And there may be something said about our inclination to place ourselves in jeopardy just so we can be saved (in spite of our fear). I remember hearing Craddock tell a story of hide-n-seek. We hide not to remain hidden, but so we can be found.
Jeff in AR
They were terrified... and they cried out in fear..
It was 8:00 p.m. when he called. He sounded so desperate. He said he needed a Hispanic pastor but was very surprised to find out the pastor was a woman. Can you come anyway? He asked. His brother had been lying in the floor for ten days now, completely embriagated by alcohol. He did not know where else to go. Can you come, please? He asked.
Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid...
I got dressed and went on my way considering my options. Getting in the house of a stranger at 8:30 on a Sunday evening by myself was scary. He said only four men shared the apartment and one of them was drunk. Should I handle this by myself?
Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water...
I came out of my car and up the third floor of the building. There was no one around. What if this was a trap? What if the man got angry? What if...? I hesitated before I knocked on the door...
So Peter got out of the boat , started walking on the water...
A young man opened he door and let me in. There was only one chair in the living room, no other furnitures in the house. He asked me to sit while he explained about his brother who was refusing to stop drinking. He show me where he was, lying in a walking closet, which was his "room". there were no windows or furnitures. Only some cloth in the floor and a few bottles of rum. The smell was asfixiating. He was so sleep that did not respond at first.
He noted the strong wind, he became frighthened...
The man continue to sleep, while I look around to make sure there were no other signs of physical problems that will require a call to 911. I began to pray for him. He waked up. I asked him if he will let me sing for him. He smiled and said Yes. I hold his hand and began to sing to the Lord. The other men gather around to listen, they followed every word. They were so grateful for my visit. "It is the first time a pastor had visited us" they said.
When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
The next day I got the help of counselors and community workers. We managed to get Detox to the apartment and take care of the man. We got a doctor to see his brother too. Food was delivered and steal toe boots for working in construction.
And those in the boat worshiped him saying "Truly you are the Son of God".
I never saw them again. They never became members of my church. But somehow I know that they had an encouter with the living God that night and so did I.
Latina
Sarah in GR,MI
I find your first question very thoughtful. I know, as well that you for one, Nick in VA will, find my line of questioning a little difficult. I hope that the Lord will bless us all for at least trying to find the truth.
The point is right Sarah. We often look for eveidence of Jesus' truth in magic acts. In England we have a very good (But often irritating)TV magician called Paul Daniels. His tricks are very convincing but that does not draw me to give my life wholeheartedly to him. Despite his magic tricks I doubt that he would be able to do very much about my life problems or my flawed personality.
Last week we had the ultimate magic trick that wasn't really a trick at all. Jesus fed 5000 people, yet he didn't feed feed 5000 people. 5000 people were fed through the faith, vision and generosity of a small boy. The boy showed infinitely more maturity than the disciple who wanted everything, literaly, handed to them on a plate. Jesus only usesd the boy's gift like the mustard seed the previous week. He watered it and it grew into a miracle.
I get a certain feeling of deja-vous here. What was convincing tp Peter was not that Jesus performed a miracle but that he, himself could become the means of a miracle. I am not questioning, Rick whether or not Jesus really walked on water. I really don't feel that this is important. What is important is that Jesus uses me. You, Rick and you Sarah are the miracles because he uses us as the foundations of his kingdom. One could say, even that the master of irony wsa building his house on sand.
John Uk
Latina I can't tell you how your story has just moved me! at 6:10 on a Monday morning, after having an experience in my parish. Nothing like you experienced, and I am truly grateful to God for your witness. I just can't tell you how it has encouraged me! Thank you for sharing it. May God continue to bless your ministry. Oh just thanks one more time. Thank you, Oh Christ for your witnesses! Shalom
Pasthersyl
Really up and rolling, and it's only Monday! John in UK, thanks for your thought-provoking questions. I especially like the idea of God building His house upon the sand--meaning us. I've always loved Peter because he was always so human. Gives me hope for the rest of us. If God could use Peter, with all his flaws, maybe God can use me.
Thanks also to Latina and to Sara. Such a powerful story, and such a good insight in the first place. New food for thought! Blessings, Dot
I love this passage. There are so many fun ways to go to communicate God’s love.
I will begin the sermon with a story from Everything I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten by Robert Fulgrum.
The story is about Larry and his dreaming of flying… Larry ties surplus weather balloons to his lawn chair and rises into the flight path of LAX instead of just a few hundred feet off of the ground. The story ends with 3 questions from the media. Were you afraid? Wonderfully so. Why did you do it? You can’t just sit there Would you do it again? Nope.
I like to act out the passage…
I begin with the fact the though they are all tired Jesus send the disciples on ahead…. Possibly sparing them from having to handle autograph seekers and to keep them from people who want to ask dumb questions like, " Can Jesus make me a pot of gold" or Where does Jesus buy his robes… I want one like his." But soon the pleasure cruise turns into a nightmare… the wind and seas both kick up suddenly
Those oh so brave disciples who lose all their courage when the storm comes up…. They get to argue over who was supposed to file a float plan and who fault is it that no one brought anything to bail with….
Then they can’t identify Jesus (Point one- what keeps us from identifying Jesus?) they get lower and lower in the boat till the side of the boat is listing and the disciples look like Kilroy - all looking over the side- all fingertips, eyes, and noses.
I have a mock conversation between the disciples as to who should look over the side- "you look Peter, you’re the oldest… I didn’t get to be old by being dumb! You look John you’re young and brave… young maybe… but you look Pete.
Finally Peter gets enough courage up. He identifies Jesus… He shows off telling the others, "what are guys afraid of? I knew it was Jesus all along." Then he really shows off… tell me to come to you… "Come on Pete" Pete looks back at his buddies in the boat and tells them "this is so cool!"
Peter sinks…. ?all at once like cork bobbing on a fishing line? Or slowly bit by bit (Point 2 sin makes us sink both ways) in any event Pete comes up spitting water and crying for help. Was it difficult for Pete to know he was sinking… surrounded by the wind and waves and white caps? Sin is all around and it is sometimes difficult to know when we are sinking.
Point 3 immediately Jesus saves, comforts, and encourages Peter. "Puts his arm around and him and leads him back to the fold.
The storm stops after they return to the boat
Conclusion: You just can’t sit there. Sometimes its scary to follow Jesus and lastly when Jesus calls you gotta go….just keep your eyes on Jesus! and yes… I would do it again!
I love this passage! Hope these ideas are helpful… and thanks to everyone who contributes!
PaxManMal <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< ><>
TX
Brothers and Sisters,
The "rules" for this site (see above) ask that we not address other postees by name, except in cases of thanks and sympathy. I would ask that we adhere to that. Otherwise, we're 1) just writing to provoke one another, or 2) focusing a lectionary discussion on the preachers and not the gospel. I have observed this tendency over the past few weeks. Please knock it off.
South Side Vicar (IL)
Brothers and Sisters,
The "rules" for this site (see above) ask that we not address other postees by name, except in cases of thanks and sympathy. I would ask that we adhere to that. Otherwise, we're 1) just writing to provoke one another, or 2) focusing a lectionary discussion on the preachers and not the gospel. I have observed this tendency over the past few weeks. Please knock it off.
South Side Vicar (IL)
Where Jesus commanded the disciples to go - constrained them to go, into the boat - was into a gathering storm. As they toiled, He was separated from them: but then He saw them in distress (not in Matthew, but in parallel passage in other gospel(s)) and He came to them.
The text tells us Peter "began" to sink. How quick is "beginning" to sink? He only had time for a VERY quick and to the point prayer! Vernon McGee observes that if Peter had prayed like some pastors do, he would have been at the bottom of the sea long before he got to the point. And the rescue is immediate! Even though doubt is rebuked, Peter is rescued in his doubt nonetheless.
And at the end is the first confession in Matthew's account of Jesus as the Son of God.
I'm calling the message - Where Are You Looking?
Brad Townley Southern Baptist Church Roxbury MA
Oops! I wasn't aware of the rules. Also, I apologise for spelling people's names wrong: Sara and Rick. I used the names because I found your contribution, Sara, so helpful. Also, Rick, I have, from across the Atlantic, followed your contributions for some time. I have real admiration for your almost prophetic desire to preserve the purity of God's Word. In awe of your thoughts, I did not wish to appear as though I was devaluing Scripture.
Just a note: I, for one, find the use of names very helpful. Use mine anytime. I feel, then, like I am talking to human beings and not just a computer screen. It is this humanity which gives dialogue its power.
With thanks, John UK
John in Uk, and all DPS contributors,
Use my name whenever you desire to. I too believe that 'talking' to each other rather than around each other is beneficial. And I wasn't offended in the least by John's use of my name. I think we are far too thin-skinned today, far too worried about offenses made or offenses taken. Truth can be damned offensive. Truth exists. Truth needs to be sought after, debated, discussed, uncovered and proclaimed.
I understand the need for the rules. I believe them to be an attempt by Frank to keep us focused on the lectionary. And we need to adhere to that as much as possible. But we can't discourage disagreement. And we certainly can't allow for this forum to be turned into nothing but a head nodding session where all agree on everything. Unless the goal is to diminish truth. Unless the desire is to dumb down it's existence.
In many ways I see again the analogy of stepping out of our comfort zones and into our faith zones. Black and white, truth or lies, are too concrete, far too uncomfortable for too many. Comfort lies in the vague, in the murky, in the theological hodge-podge of pluralism, where all paths lead to God despite what the Judeo-Christian Scriptures teach.
Christ has called us out of the theological mush-boat and into the waters of truth, where He walks because God the Father has willed Him to. And we can either trust Him as The Truth or we can choose to sink into the Sea of Doubts, the Falsific Ocean, the Cloudy River, where we drown in worldly distractions meant to keep us from Christ, the object of our faith.
Use my name as you wish, if I'm offended, I will certainly get over it for I know Who my Overcomer is, and He has been beckoning me out of my ship of comfort for sometime now.
Rick in Va
I recently read this very moving poem by the British poet David Whyte who used this text from Matthew 14:22-33 as the basis for his poem below. I believe it comes from his book "The House of Belonging".
With Blessings, Pamela Oakland, CA
The True Love
By David Whyte
There's a faith in loving fiercely The one who is rightfully yours. Especially if you have wasted years And especially if part of you Never believed you could deserve this loved And beckoning hand held out to you this way.
I am thinking of faith now And the testaments of loneliness And what we feel we are worthy of in this world.
Years ago, in the Hebrides, I remember an old man Who walked every morning on the gray stones To the shore of baying seals, Who would hold his hat to his chest In the blustering salt wind And say his prayers To the turbulent Jesus Hidden in the water.
And I think of the story of the storm And everyone waking And seeing the distant yet familiar figure Far across the water calling to them And how we are all preparing For that abrupt waking And that calling And that moment we have to say yes.
Except it will not come so grandly, so biblically But more subtlety and intimately In the face of the one You know you have to love.
So that when we finally Step out of the boat toward them, We find everything holds us And everything confirms our courage And if you wanted to drown you could, But you don't. Because finally, after all this struggle And all these years, you don't want to anymore. You've simply had enough of drowning And you want to live and you want to love. And you will walk across any territory And any darkness, however fluid and however dangerous To take the one hand And the one life you know belongs in yours.
Matthew's version of this story is incredibly different. On my first read through this week I am wondering about Peter's response to Jesus' journey on the water. I don't think the first thing I would say to Jesus, as he was walking atop a wind filled lake, is "let me come out there with you!" The other fascinating addition I will explore this week is Matthew's end. The story concludes with the disciples proclaiming Jesus as the Son. In Mark the story ends with confusion and hardness of hearts. What a contrast! Great Stuff!
Last week we learned that Jesus is all too human, for he needed to be alone to pray and grieve after he learned of John the Baptist's death. It is not until this week that he finally gets a chance to be alone.
This passage has always been for me a metaphor of the lengths that God will take to reach us and of our feeble attempts to reach God. The raging sea is our sin that separates us from God and threatens to drown us. Praise be that God can walk on water.
DeepSouth Steve
As a look at this text I see an excellent outline for an expository sermon in verse 26-28. Though I am not sure if I will use it. RevRon
Message: The Storms of life
1. Daily Tests come whether we want them or not. 14:26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.
2. Jesus calms the waves of life and testing, by His Word. 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
3. Jesus gives us new strength to walk on the water 14:28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
I'm working on this idea. Comments please. Peter seems awfully ready to leave the boat. A ship in a storm is not a comfortable place to be. He sets out on his own, and does remarkably well for a while. But then he begins to sink. When he calls out for help Jesus leads him back to the boat. It is then that the storm is calmed. A lot of people seem very quick to leave a church (one of the ancient symbols for the church is a boat). THey seem to be especially ready to leave during trying times. Many seem to do well spiritually for a while, but you can watch as they slowly begin to sink. Peter could just as easily have said "Lord, if that is you, come get in the boat with us." But instead his request was "Lord, call me out of this boat." Jesus merely grants Peter's request. And maybe what Jesus really said was "No" but with the noise of the wind and all Peter heard what he wanted to hear. ANyway maybe the faith response for Christians in a troubled ship is not to set out on our own, but to invite Jesus into the boat with us. According to Matthew when Jesus is in the boat the storm goes away.
FISHER in TN
Having been at sea during a storm, I can truly relate. There is nothing more terrifing, at sea, than a storm. Jesus approach must have been quite a distraction, and to even want to leave the boat at this time was definately an act of faith.
The question is, What is the most terrifying thing where we are? and Can we see Christ through it? Do we have the faith to want to step out towards Him?
A few thoughts.
Glenn
I was taught ("Gospel of Mark" class by Van Bogard Dunn) that "the other side" is Death, and this story is symbolic of Jesus' journey to that destination and his defeat of that enemy...and of the disciples' total misunderstanding and fear (maybe conscious denial) of that journey. I also remember that the sea was always a biblical symbol for chaos and the unknown Here we have a storm in the chaos, mastered by the Peace of Christ. Still playing around with all this symbolism.
-- Barry in OH
A sermon title: "Dare to Step Out of the Boat" comes to mind as I read this passage from Matthew's Gospel. An earlier reflection on this site related to leaving your comfort zone also catches my attention. What "secure" boats do we live in day after day? Those "secure" boats might include a large variety of ideas that we have acquired over a lifetime of living. Just maybe we too need to take that small step away from ourselves and re-evaluate what we really believe about life and living.
Rev. Bob
Friends,
I have enytitled my sermon: "Stepping Out in Faith." I hope to raise the question of why we moderns are so relunctant to step out and try something new. We are thinking about moving our contemporary service from Sunday evening to Sunday morning. You should hear the nonsense.
The main character in this passage is Jesus not Peter. We are given a glimpse of Jesus, even the waves obey his word. Why do we always try to make the scripture about us? When we do we miss the poitn. It's not about us but rather about Jesus Christ!
You can use my name too--talk about nonsense.
Love to you all.
Paula in Florida.
I believe that the story is about the disciples identifying Jesus as the Son of God who has the power of God. Jesus has the ability to still the storm. Peter is representative of the disciples. Jesus has power over creation, as God does. I find your stories and thoughts enormously helpful every week. Thank you!
I believe that the story is about the disciples identifying Jesus as the Son of God who has the power of God. Jesus has the ability to still the storm. Peter is representative of the disciples. Jesus has power over creation, as God does. I find your stories and thoughts enormously helpful every week. Thank you!
Though I see the OT text as the more remarkable, here, too, we are looking at an eclipse of courage which was precipitated by a lack of faith. The lack of real courage, which we and our churches stand in need of today, appears in Peter for us to read and ponder.
Peter had courage enough to venture out onto the water, but lacked the faith he needed to sustain his walk. He needed faith that was commensurate with his inner fear and sufficiently positive to believe he could do it. With faith wavering and fear increasing, he cried out to Jesus to save him.
With the long perspective of salvation history, Peter (and Elijah) appear now as apostles of courage. Their legacy to us: the only courage that can prevail - the higher courage - must be interwoven with the sinews of faith.
Peace, OKBob
Check it out. It is very useful.
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/walking_water.htm
Dick in VA
"It was the worst of times, it was the best of times," or so the story goes, the dichotomy of life, no doubt. Yet, as he stood at the doorway, a bowl of potato salad in hand, his two closest friends at his side, with the sure knowledge that he was doing the right thing, he would have been more than happy to be living somewhere in mundane middle of that puzzle. For as he stood there waiting for the door to be opened, he knew more than he had ever known anything, that he would rather be anywhere but here. And the waves began to grow, pushed by the mounting wind.
The call had come a few hours earlier. It was one of those calls that one never wants to receive. The kind of call that starts one's stomach churning. The kind of call where it takes every bit of energy just to hold on to the phone. Chris Salter was dead.
He never knew Chris, not really. Chris was one of those youth that never seem to connect with "the establishment." And he was well aware that he was very much part of "the establishment." Nevertheless, he felt some connection to Chris as each week, Chris's younger sister, Amy, was there in the youth group, doing the kind of things that church youth do. Though he didn't know Amy well, she had shared something of Chris. He learned that Chris struggled with adolescence. He learned that Chris was never far from trouble, trouble at home, trouble at school, and trouble with the law. Yet, he had never been able to reach Chris. Perhaps he had not tried hard enough. Perhaps he had been overwhelmed with all the demands on his life, demands which always seemed very important at the moment. Perhaps Chris simply would not allow it. Now as he stood at the doorway, waiting for the wave of sadness to envelop him, he knew that the whys no longer mattered. He would never reach Chris, for Chris's young life had ended, wrapped around a tree in the twisted metal coffin of the stolen car. Fifteen short years. His face was starting to sting from the spray. He knew, the storm would be bad.
Soon the door opened. They entered the room and immediately were assaulted by the oppressive weight of death. He was almost overcome by the ocean of grief. It was like a gray haze in the air, so thick that it choked, so thick that even the mother's sobs were smothered. He staggered a bit and placed his hand on a the back of a worn dusty chair for support. He had experienced sudden death before. He had seen other families loose children in similar circumstances, the shock of the moment, the mountain of grief, and the slow realization of unfulfilled promises, but never, had he experienced anything like this. It was the worst. It was horrible.
On the sofa sat Chris's mother, her face buried in the pillow. He could not help but notice the mucous stains from a nose which went unwiped. Her hair hung in long strands, covering her face, and her body was continually wracked by sobs, her lungs heaved in and out, but never quite filled with air before the next gasp of breath. Another woman sat beside her, trying but failing to offer comfort. Her husband stood away from everyone, with his head pushed into the corner of the room, arms clutched about him, as if he were trying to escape all the nightmarish reality of this moment. He stood like a stiff board, frozen in place, frozen like some hideously deformed creature - Quasimoto, except Mr. Salter's perch was far from any bell tower and far from any fantasy. Amy had explained long ago that only she had any connection with the realm of faith, that she had called her parents to the presence of God, but that they rejected her pleas as youthful nonsense. God was fine for others, they had said, but they didn't need it. And so, there was nothing left.
He now looked around and understood, this was the specter of hopelessness. This was the demon of finality. The mountainous waves crashed about him and the howling wind pierced his soul.
The funeral home décor was to be expected, casket at one end, sofa and two chairs in the middle of the room, soft lighting. Everything as expected, and yet, nothing as expected. There by the casket were dozens of youth, staring at the now lifeless body, some crying, some talking excitedly, some engaging in the nervous laughter of those who do not know what else to do. Around the perimeter, plastered against the walls as if they were glued, were perhaps 100 people, and in the center of the room was Amy and Ms. Salter, sitting alone, an island of pain.
He tried to persuade some of the youth to go and be with Amy. But they refused. The open floor and 100 pairs of staring eyes were much too daunting. He thought that certainly someone would go to their side. His mind shouted, "Someone, anyone!" but no one moved. Where in the world was the pastor? How could they be left alone? Why didn't anyone go to them!? He knew he had to do something. But what could he do? He barely knew Amy and 48 hours earlier, her mother had been a total stranger. The wild tempest broke around him, waves crashed and the sting of the driving wind blasted through his being. He stepped forward, sure that he would be consumed by the storm, moving one foot in front of the other, moving toward the island, moving toward the pain.
He thought he would drown, but in the depths of the maelstrom, at the point when he knew he was lost, there was another presence, lifting him, carrying him. And finally, as if by some unseen miracle, he was there, on his knees in front of them -- embracing them, listening to their sobs, and holding them above the storm. Nothing else existed, nothing else mattered. All that mattered was love, pouring from him, pouring from him and enveloping them. More love than he ever knew existed. More love than in all the world. Love that came from beyond. Love that came from Christ.
Eventually, someone else did come, someone who knew them. He slowly pulled away, drained. He did not know how long he had been there. Time had no meaning. There were few people left in the room. He slowly walked to the hallway and collapsed against the wall, the sobs now racking his body. But the waves had ceased. The air was still. There was nothing left but Jesus.
And he knew, he would never again be the same.
Shalom, Nail-Bender in NC
Thank you Nail-Bender. The thought that comes to me is a sermon based on the text which I preached 6 years ago. Theme: You can walk through all the storms of life as long as you keep your eyes upon Jesus. Once you take your eyes off of Jesus, you too will surely begin to sink in the storms of your life. revup
I want to try something here. I would appreciate your input. Almost every posting here talks about Peter's courage and faith and the familiar line, sometimes you have to get out of the boat. What if Peter was NOT being incredibly brave? What if, originally, he was supposed to remain in the boat--listen for a minute 1) the disciples are in the midst of the storm because Christ sent them off by themselves. They were obeying Christ 2) Christ was coming to them, now that the storm had developed. They didn't recognize Christ, afraid he was a ghost. It was a common belief that the sea held spirits, ghosts, hostile powers. 3) Christ idenitied himself with words of comfort to the disciples. Take heart, don't be afraid, it is me. 4) Peter's challenge could be seen as a lack of faith, not accepting Christ at his word 5) Most of our talk here revolves about the boat being a comfortable place. Got to get out of the boat. But some here have already stated that a boat in the midst of a storm is a terrifying, dangerous place to be. 6) Christ does indeed accept Peter's challenge by bidding Peter to come to him and it could sound like Peter was trying to save himself. If he can walk on water, he is not going down with the ship!! What if Peter was, originally, suppposed to remain in the dangerous boat waiting for Christ to come to him? I agree that we can't always remain comfortable, but we are not talking about a boat on smooth glassly seas When do we take Christ at his word and when we say prove who you are by allowing me to do a great miracle? STAN in TN
Latina,
Again, thank you my sister for your beautiful story of faith and for your courage to live it. Who would see the Christ in the filthy body of a drunk. Ahhhhh, but to have the eyes of Jesus ... to have the eyes of Jesus, eh?
Shalom my sister, Nail-Bender in NC
Sister Sara,
Me thinks the waves roll high across that suburban ocean. But ahhhh, the air is all the more pleasing when we go under from time to time. As Carol Valek says in her beautiful poem, perhaps we might learn to "give up our house for a coral castle, and learn to breathe underwater." Thank you were your call to discipleship.
Shalom, Nail-Bender in NC
for your call ... for your call. Sigh .....
Shalom, NB
An illustration I found that speaks volumes about trust, storms, God's providence, and faith.
Enjoy:
In the midst of the Storm
One night a house caught fire and a little boy was forced to flee to the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to the boy, "Jump! I'll catch you." He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: "Jump! I will catch you." But the little boy protested, "Daddy, I can't see you." The father replied, "But I can see you and that's all that matters."
Rick in Va
Good Morning DPS friends, First a great big thank you for all of the wonderful contributions to understanding the lectionary passages. You folks have helped me through my first year as a pastor. I will attempt to make a contribution: Verse 26: "When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost." I know some people have trouble with the fact that the disciples didn't recognize Jesus, but this makes sense to me. They weren't looking for Jesus. Isn't this also true in our daily lives? We get going fast and furious, and don't take time to "look" for God. I've been trying to get my people to be intentional about looking for God. I suggested they make a 5 X 8 card with the words "How I Experienced God Today" and then put it on their refrigerator. Something to remind them to look for God in the everyday experiences of life. Perhaps if we looked for God more, we would more quickly recognize him in the storms of life. VAinNY
Latina-- What a great story/illustration. You were right to be afraid in such a situation; if I was in the same situation, I might have been too afraid--too cautious and "prudent"--to enter such an uncertain place. It does indeed take a strong (foolish, according to some) faith to put yourself on the line like that. Your story shows what a paradox faith can be...providing us with life-saving comfort, peace, security, while motivating us to risk that very life for others. Thanks for your sharing.
And Steve--- My God man, what an experience. And what a gift you have given us. Again. Thank You. You "Nailed" it again. I believe your story is EXACTLY, EXACTLY what this text is about...not about Peter, or even Jesus, but about the hard, honest truth of what discipleship is. It is a huge risk, even a terrifying leap, when you KNOW that you are being called into a tremendous, life-threatening storm, called to a place where no sane person would go, would ever WANT to go...and yet you go anyway, bringing all that you are--the fear, the doubt, the hesitancy, walking with feet of thickest clay--aware even as you step out that you may well sink over your head, maybe swallow a ton of water, perhaps lose yourself completely. You may die.
And beyond the veil of reason, in the mystic ether/fog of faith, the Storm becomes the Peace. You do not lose yourself at all. Instead, you find yourself. Your SELF. And it is Christ, embracing. And indeed, you are changed. No, not changed. More like utterly TRANSFORMED. You do not lose yourself...but you DO die. And you are reborn.
And it neverseems to happen on a tranquil sea. Would that it could...how full the churches would be.
--Barry in OH
Thank you all so much for your insights! I am preparing for a mid-week service and you have helped me! There is a song that goes : He's in the midst of our storms he's in the valleys we go through- where two or more are gathered in His name He'll be there too! Preachit!
ONE OF TWELVE
Truly truly you are the son of God just as truly as my doubts steal my faith and I suffer as one that has been robbed
Immediately immediately Jesus sends his chosen twelve out to sea while he stays and tells that whole crowd that again he will not fed
Now a great mountain stands before Jesus as alone he does now pray for when this huge crowd tells of Jesus as he fed them this one day
Afraid oh so afraid as bear takes a deathly grip for now these chosen twelve are in a sinking ship
Glory glory that our faith allows our walk on stormy seas but fear is always there in that strong and chilly breeze
Immediately immediately Jesus sends his chosen twelve out to sea and as he goes to them walking walking upon that watery sea
Truly truly you are the son of God but our fears and doubts always from this one truth does rob
Matt 14:22-33 X August 8, 1999
ONE OF TWELVE
Truly truly you are the son of God just as truly as my doubts steal my faith and I suffer as one that has been robbed
Immediately immediately Jesus sends his chosen twelve out to sea while he stays and tells that whole crowd that again he will not fed
Now a great mountain stands before Jesus as alone he does now pray for when this huge crowd tells of Jesus as he fed them this one day
Afraid oh so afraid as bear takes a deathly grip for now these chosen twelve are in a sinking ship
Glory glory that our faith allows our walk on stormy seas but fear is always there in that strong and chilly breeze
Immediately immediately Jesus sends his chosen twelve out to sea and as he goes to them walking walking upon that watery sea
Truly truly you are the son of God but our fears and doubts always from this one truth does rob
Matt 14:22-33 X August 8, 1999
Clearly I was misunderstood. My comment about "guidelines" was not directed to any posting in particular, but towards a series of postings over the past few weeks/months (and in conversations in my own denomination, where conservatives have been compared to Milosovic). This is not rooted in a fear of disagreement or argument, or a fear of any kind for that matter. This is merely to call attention to the unspoken theology present in the way we use language (as has already been pointed out). This is NOT nonsense, if we truly are the faith that has its root in the incarnate logos, the word made flesh.
There is a difference between argument and violence. We have a responsibility to disagree with one another, but to do so with grace, forgiveness, and humility. Otherwise, our rhetoric is no different from the rhetoric of the world, violent as it is.
The posting guidelines are not our salvation. And it is, clearly, possible to attack without using names. I am merely suggesting that they may be a tool of a more Christian rhetoric that is aware of our use of logos.
Sorry for the intrusion, and thanks to all for your helpful thoughts on the lectionary passage. SS Vicar
Peter Oliver,
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HW in HI
Apologies to the rest. This way seemed the best.
SS Vicar,
I SO agree with you! Sorry I didn't say so earlier. There have been times the words written to each other here made me physically ill. I see not Christ in them, so could it be....? Anyway, as for me, it is common courtesy, a sign of our faith to speak with courtesy and respect even to those who seem to us moronic, or whatever. In my denom. when we baptize we promise to respect the dignity of every human being. Sometimes we forget. Thank you for reminding us.
HW in HI
I think that the central point in this passage is not to be found in Peter's failure, but rather in the fact that if even for only a brief time he did succeed in walking on the water. That is where the miracle really occured, and it is a foreshadowing of things to come, if we think about it. Someone made the point that Peter is not just asking for Jesus to prove himself through a miracle, but is in fact asking Jesus to enable Peter to actually emulate Jesus. The main point of the Resurrection is that not only was Jesus raised from death, but that we, too, by faith can emulate Him and attain eternal life. This is where I feel that the current passage is an example of foreshadowing, and I will approach my sermon from this point. Mike in Chatham, OH
Mike in Chatham OH,
That will preach!
HW in HI,
Courtesy, respect, dignity and even integrity are words that have lost their meaning thanks in large part to unchecked liberalism (ie. tolerance, diversity, inclusion). In my own (and your) denomination, we have an organization that affirms homosexuality called Integrity. I believe in the Catholic Church, a similar organization is called Dignity. It becomes clear that one way to diminish a word is to redefine it's meaning. Liberals have become quite adept at this.
Your own post shows the flaws in tolerance in my view when you state that the moronic (a less than inclusive or tolerant term, wouldn't you say?) should be spoken to with respect and courtesy. If what is said is truly moronic (another term that has been successfully redefined and today can describe anything that one disagrees with), are we to be dishonest and treat what is said with respect, thus giving it undue credit and/or credence? I think not...
The Bible is filled with that said by Jesus Himself that would be called judgmental, intolerant, dis-respectful and downright mean-spirited today (see His conversations with the Pharisees and Sadducees). Does this mean that Christ was not being Christ-like?
Confused by the dumbing down of language, I am...
Rick in Va
This has got to stop! We hear enough of this stuff everywhere....the truth is everyone always thinks that their view of scripture, gospel and truth is the only one. I have received help from the postings on this site on many occasions. The ironic thing is that the conversation on the gospel texts usually is the most unkind and unfocused. What is going on here? you are preaching to the converted...please everyone back in your corners and let's get back to the subject at hand - the scriptures - not church dogma or political hash! Tami in Detroit
The only one in this passage who was not afraid was the one who spent time in pray.
Kevin in Indy
Thanks to the one who posted the David Whyte poem...I have loved that poem since the first time I heard it read. I find the comments about the church as the boat and "what is the most terrifying thing were we are?" to be very provocative. I am torn between that angle and the one presented in Whyte's poem at the end " If you wanted to drown you could, but you don't because finally after all this struggle and all these years, you don't want to any more. you've simply had enough of drowning,........and you will walk across any territory and any darkness, however fluid and however dangerous, to take the one hand you know belongs in yours". Whether Peter was supposed to step out of the boat or not might not matter. But perhaps he is anxious to reach Jesus.....the disciples are very reluctant to go out into the water without Jesus.........I am merely musing, but could there be something here? What am I willing to do to take Jesus' hand? What am I willing to risk? I could use some banter about these two very different perspectives, please. Tami In Detroit
I have had Jesus' statement, "you of little faith, why did you doubt" rumbling in my mind and heart ever since I decided to preach this passage - but not as an admonition to Peter telling him that his lack of faith caused him to sink.
I can't get away from a notion that "why did you doubt" is Jesus saying "Why did you doubt that I would be here to save you?" The greek word used for Peter's "cried out" relates, according to some, to a croaking, or scream. Certainly, crying out is the logical action when you begin to sink. Is the panic because he is sinking, or because he has forgotten that Jesus is close by and will save him?
Peter started to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus. His doubt seems to be tied up in whether or not Jesus would help him.
So, We all loose focus and sink - or at least begin to sink. We sink sometimes despite the fact our faith is strong. Our faith is that when we begin to sink,(and we all will), Jesus will reach out his hand to catch us.
Rick, I like the way your fire-story will work with this nuance of interpretation. thanks!
sk in ca
My original thought (which turned out to be wrong when I looked at the Greek, but still think worth exploring) is that Peter began to sink when he noticed the strong wind. I thought wind might be pneuma (or spirit), but it ain't. So the language fails (or rather, I fail the language), but here's the thought: Peter was able to accomplish the most amazing thing when Christ beckoned him. But it was when he realized he was in the presence of God that he experienced fear, sinking such that Christ reached out his hand in grace. Kind of a Luther approach to sin and grace, that we can only truly rely on grace once we have tried things under our own power and fail before the awesome power of God.
I still like the thought, though this might not be the text to preach it. File under "spirit".
South Side Vicar
Odd for a Calvinist to quote Luther...
SSVic
Sara, thanks for your posting about Peter-its given me some interesting food for thought.
What I find intriguing in this passage is that Peter steps out of the boat in faith, but then falters.....AND Jesus is there to catch him. Even though Peter gets frightened by the wind and starts to lose faith in his ability to do as Jesus says, Peter still believes Jesus will help him. And Jesus does, not only then, but later continues to call to Peter to come to Him, through three denials, and to use Peter as the Rock upon which the Good News will be proclaimed after Jesus' death and ressurection. So this leads me to ponder, how am I like Peter? What is Jesus calling me or the people who will hear my sermon Sunday to do, that even if we lose faith, even if we falter, Jesus will be there to catch us. Just some food for thought.
Deb in Bangor, ME
Barbara Brown Taylor, in her book "Bread of Angels," has a sermon on this text titled "Why did you Doubt?" It is well done, and her angle of vision on this text is a bit different. Here is part of what she says: "It is not enough for Peter that Jesus is headed straight for the boat. Peter stops him before he gets there, putting himself out front as a kind of dare. 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' Make me do something extraordinary. Set me apart from these other men. Grant me an exemption from the laws that bind ordinary people and I will believe you are who you say you are. It is incredibly pompous of Peter, but in this story, as in most of the other embarassing stories about Peter, he is speaking for us. Is there anyone among us who has never asked God for an exemption?. . . I expect Jesus had to think a minute before he decided to respond to Peter. He could have said, 'Who do you think you are, Simon Peter? Sit back down and find your oar!' But that was not what Peter needed. What Peter needed was a couple of steps on the water (to cure his doubt) and then a nose full of water (to cure his pomposity." I think Taylor's perspective is worth mulling over.
Also, as grist for the mill, I commend Lorain Hemingway's (she's Ernest's grandaughter) memoir "Walk on Water." She begins with Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne," part of which says, "Jesus was a sailor when he walked upon the water/And he spent a long time watching from his lonely wooden tower/And when he knew for certain that only drowning men could see him/He said all men shall be sailors until the sea shall free them. . . "
GS in St. Louis
I think that the wider context of the this part of Matthew has something to say to this discussion. In chapter 13 you have the small-great contrasts of the parables (the Gospel two weeks ago)which seem to discourage us from our human tendency to measure importance and success in the KOG by the normal yardticks: what we see, can measure and evaluate. One of the other Gospel writer's (who is it?)version of one of these parables begins "If you had faith like a mustard seed..." (c.f. Peter's "little faith"). Then last week,(chapter 14:13-22) we see the disciples who have no faith at all - their solution to the crowd's hunger was to ask Jesus to send them away. Jesus has to walk them through the act of faith by telling them to bring the loaves and fish to him (faith always brings everything to him). This week, we see, I think, Peter turning a corner. There is a small and huge change in him. (I think I disagree that this is not a story about anybody but Jesus. Matthew's naratives are deeply characterised and colourful. Peter and his journey are important). This mysterious thing "faith" is beginning to stir in Peter, not because he is very clever, but because he is foolish - who would get out of boat in the middle of a storm? It is a "little faith" that he has, a mustard seed of trust. But it gets him onto the water. Inevitably his doubt and fear revisit him, and he is distracted by the wind - stops walking on the water with Jesus and starts trying to "tread water" himself. This is human. This is us too. But he gets out of the boat. He believes. He obeys. He walks. I would never seriously suggest it as a translation, but maybe you could read verse 31 like this "Peter, you have a little faith - Fantastic! but what happened?". So what emerges? Maybe that our faith, when it begins (maybe in the blast of a storm or in "different waters"), is small. It is weak - totally reliant on Jesus being there to catch us when the winds distract us and our human fear and anxiety rises up. But it is that small faith which has brought us to "foolishly" hear Jesus' call, and get out onto the water.Yes, tiny faith - faith enough to walk the waves to Jesus, faith enough to go where other will not go, faith enough risk drowning, faith enough to live by different rules. SP in Melbourne.AUS
I am so deeply touched, on a personal level, by the analogy of the church as the boat. This is my second Sunday as a settled pastor in a new church. Newly ordained in June, I accepted this call with all the wide-eyed hopefulness of an adolescent girl being invited on her first real date. So far, in the last week, two of the ‘old guard’ have 'jumped ship,'resigned from an important church committee and absented themselves from worship last Sunday (my first). There is more discontent brewing - which I know (in my better moments) has less than nothing to do with me and is really about this congregation's own history (recent and ancient) and wide-spread burn-out among the laity. While being the first settled female pastor in this church is exciting for many of us, for some of us it is uncharted territory and downright terrifying. I never saw this passage from the perspective of ‘stay in the boat Jesus is coming ...’ So I have a timely new twist on a familiar story to share this Sunday ... and perhaps I, too, will find the courage to stay in the boat, sit back down, and stop musing about meeting Jesus out on the waves rather than waiting for Him to meet me at my point of greatest need.
Being miles and miles away from my own home port and most of my ‘earthly’ support systems, being back on line with DPS is truly a gift from God this week.
Blessings to you all. MW in MA
Hey, did you notice how Peter believed he could confirm that he was REALLY hearing the voice of Jesus? He asked Jesus to call him to something he could not do by his own power... if Jesus called him beyond his own ordinary abilities, then Peter could be sure he was hearing the voice of Jesus. When our lives are falling into place with our own everyday expectations, sometimes it's hard to tell whom or what we are really following. It's a call to trust that is really the voice of Jesus.
And then comes the part that really makes me laugh out loud every time I read it, "...But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened..." What is he thinking?? "Oh sure I can walk on water when it's a little windy, but in a really strong wind, no way!" He wasn't being successful because of weather conditions. He lost his perspective (and his footing) the moment he started paying attention to the wind and not to Jesus.
We can answer a call to work beyond our normal abilities (not over doing without the strengthening rest we need, Jesus modeled healthy, self-care... He was, after all, walking over water to them after he'd arranged quiet time apart), but we can recognize and follow a call to do amazing things, if we keep ourselves focused on Jesus, who is our goal, rather than the windy problems that threaten to distract us.
The "stay in the boat theme" is also a powerful concept that works with Peter's stepping out of the boat. It helped Peter know he was following Jesus when he answered the call to get out of the boat, but only because he was heading straight for Jesus, WHO WAS ON HIS WAY BACK TO THE BOAT. Peter was going out to meet Jesus so that he could re-enter the boat with Him. We all may need to do that... figure out how to re-enter our churches holding onto Jesus. DL in ME
How about, "We've got a Ghost of a chance" as a sermon title? DL
I apologize for this off topic paragraph. I feel compelled to share with the sisters a little personal experience.
I, too, am a woman in pastoral ministry. I struggled with a congregation who struggled with having a woman as their pastor. Then I realized that they would never be comfortable with a woman pastor until I was comfortable with being a woman pastor. As soon as I let go of the "stigma" they let go and accepted me for who I was, not what I was.
Barb in MS
Our post-Newtonian mind thinks the miracle here is defying gravity. These first century readers understood the sea to be a place of chaos. Walking on the water symbolized the conquering power over that chaos. This is reminiscent of the creation story. Similarly, it was believed that only God could walk on water - Job 9:8, 38:16; Ps. 77:19; Isa 43:16; 51:9-10; Hab 3:5; etc. Jesus is doing what only God can do by walking on the water thus proving his divinity. Furthermore, when asked his identity Jesus responds, "It is I." Again, reminiscent of God's self-revelation, "I am" Exodus 3:13-15. The miracle to first century readers then is that Jesus is indeed God.
It seems to me Peter's problem stems from his doubt about who Jesus was to begin with, not the fact that he took his eyes off of him. Peter left the boat, indeed ASKED to leave the boat and the community to get proof that Jesus was who he said he was. There was nothing brave about what he did. What he did was steeped in doubt and disbelief.
Dick
Barry,
Wow! Thanks for your addendum! Good stuff, really good stuff. Yesterday, I just completed doing some programming with a mission word team. They were much like any team that comes to this place. Energetic, full of life, wonderful people. They worked hard during the three days they were here. They accomplished more than most teams. They roofed one house, started another, and painted two other houses. They connected with those who owned the homes, homes that reflected marginalized circumstances of lives on the edge. They loved, they served, they gave. However, some of them left in a bit different frame of mind than many teams. I believe some of them left angry. Why?
Because I suggested that God's call on our life does involve risk, that if we situate ourselves in the safe confines of our own comfort zones, that if we only do choose those ministries which are safe, then we will never understand this walk with Christ and that we will never transform the world, "on earth as it is in heaven."
After a study on the parable of the "Good Samaritan," Our devotion material poses the question: "What are the reasons we don't help our neighbor?" One young man answered, "Fear." When asked of what are we afraid, the answer was, "Death." And then I asked, "Why are we afraid of death? What does our faith teach us? What does our Christian belief say about death?" To which they gave the expected response - life after death, eternal life, life in heaven. Then I again asked, "So, why do we fear death? Why does the fear keep us from helping our neighbor?" This was the question that caused so much concern. Several even suggested that it was foolish of me to state that we might be asked to serve in such a way that death might be a real risk. One almost shouted sarcastically, "So we are just supposed to go out and commit suicide???!!"
Later, as I pondered their response, it occurred to me that had I suggested they be willing to "die for their country," no one would have blinked an eye. But to suggest they we be willing to "die for our faith," well …
Brothers and sisters, Desperate Preachers, if we are not willing to call our congregations, to call our communities of faith beyond the safe confines of soft pews, lilting organ music, and air-conditioned sanctuaries, then we are not proclaiming the Christ who calls us onto the stormy sea of discipleship. But worse, as Barry so eloquently stated, we are withholding from our congregations the possibility of life in the Kingdom, a life which rarely unfolds in the safe confines of the tranquil waters of our own personal comfort zones.
Shalom my friends,
Nail-Bender in NC
I can think of no place more fitting for the idea of risking one's life than a 1st century Palestinian Jew attempting to walk on the water! Good thoughts.
Check out Psalm 69:1-3 (Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God) and Psalm 18:15-16 (Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He reached down from on high, he took me; he drew me out of mighty waters). Fitting for Confession/Assurance or other parts of the liturgy.
South Side Vicar
I'm going to use the Romans passage with this story to talk about salvation "in the name of Jesus" -- this was something that was rocking the boat of theology in that day -- and, in fact, rocks our boats even in this day. I noted that the Psalm (Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name) and Romans "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and the Matthew text seem to have this theme of calling on the name (power, authority) of the Lord ("Jesus" in the NT texts).
Peter, who rocked a lot of boats in his day, got out of the conventional theological boat to call upon Jesus as Lord (God) -- the disciples in the boat didn't get it until after the storm was stilled -- THEN they worshipped him (confessed) --
I'm wondering how some of you think about what it means to say "Jesus is Lord" -- or to "call upon the name of the Lord" and "praying in the name of the Lord". What is salvation? and What are we saved from? I know what theology says -- I'm wondering what meaning the average person in the pews gets from our church-speak "be saved" and "in Jesus name." Complex question, I know. But I'm just wondering what different ideas might come from you guys. Rocking the boat a bit myself -- RevKK
In an effort to be as "historically factual" as possible, I've come upon opposing opinions as to the water-safetyness of our first century fishermen. On one hand,I have read that since they were fishermen, the "obviously" would be good swimmers. On the other hand, I have read that at that time in history, in that part of the world, only the Greeks were swimmers. Since neither of these comments was from a historian (both from theologians...) I wondered if any of you might have insite into this, so that I might more accurately frame the fear of the disciples in the boat (and the risk that Peter took in jumping overboard. )
Thanks in advance,
sk in ca
Years ago 3 children were on summer break at the neighborhood swimming pool. For weeks on end they would stand on the top step, submerged perhaps an inch or two bneath the surface of the water. Each would summon the full measure of his or her faith and take a step. Gravity would win. Each would say that he or she didn't have enough faith yet (to walk on water) and would try again. That summer nobody walked on water.
How much faith does it take? How many have been told they would be healed or their problem solved if they simply had enough faith.
Contrast this with what it means to step out in faith, to act in faith. Rather than insist that enough faith will see Jesus break through natural conditions, I wonder whether enough faith is what it takes to move out of our comfort zones.
Also, if manna can be food enough, is there an equivalent that is faith enough? Or are we always lacking, always needing more?
HW in HI
PS to Rick in Va: I never, ever said that you were mean-spirited in the name of Christ. Actually, I wasn't addressing you in particular. I am sure you didn't mean to put words in my mouth....
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church.
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church. Considering our subject this week, I remembered a story. Once a woman minister became the first woman minister at a particular congregation. One older man especially had trouble with a woman being a minister. Just to see what she would do, the man invited the minister to join him and some other male church members in fishing. To his surprise, she accepted the invitation. The time came and they went out on the water. Then they dicovered they had left all the bait on the shore. The woman minister told the men there was no problem and they wouldn't have to turn around and go ashore. With that, she stepped over the side of the boat, walked on the water to shore, got the buckets of bait, walked back on the water to the boat, got in and sat down. The one man who didn't like the idea of women ministers was heard to grumble, "I knew we shouldn't have gotten a woman minister. She doesn't even know how to swim." Gil in In
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church. Considering our subject this week, I remembered a story. Once a woman minister became the first woman minister at a particular congregation. One older man especially had trouble with a woman being a minister. Just to see what she would do, the man invited the minister to join him and some other male church members in fishing. To his surprise, she accepted the invitation. The time came and they went out on the water. Then they dicovered they had left all the bait on the shore. The woman minister told the men there was no problem and they wouldn't have to turn around and go ashore. With that, she stepped over the side of the boat, walked on the water to shore, got the buckets of bait, walked back on the water to the boat, got in and sat down. The one man who didn't like the idea of women ministers was heard to grumble, "I knew we shouldn't have gotten a woman minister. She doesn't even know how to swim." Gil in In
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church. Considering our subject this week, I remembered a story. Once a woman minister became the first woman minister at a particular congregation. One older man especially had trouble with a woman being a minister. Just to see what she would do, the man invited the minister to join him and some other male church members in fishing. To his surprise, she accepted the invitation. The time came and they went out on the water. Then they dicovered they had left all the bait on the shore. The woman minister told the men there was no problem and they wouldn't have to turn around and go ashore. With that, she stepped over the side of the boat, walked on the water to shore, got the buckets of bait, walked back on the water to the boat, got in and sat down. The one man who didn't like the idea of women ministers was heard to grumble, "I knew we shouldn't have gotten a woman minister. She doesn't even know how to swim." Gil in In
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church. Considering our subject this week, I remembered a story. Once a woman minister became the first woman minister at a particular congregation. One older man especially had trouble with a woman being a minister. Just to see what she would do, the man invited the minister to join him and some other male church members in fishing. To his surprise, she accepted the invitation. The time came and they went out on the water. Then they dicovered they had left all the bait on the shore. The woman minister told the men there was no problem and they wouldn't have to turn around and go ashore. With that, she stepped over the side of the boat, walked on the water to shore, got the buckets of bait, walked back on the water to the boat, got in and sat down. The one man who didn't like the idea of women ministers was heard to grumble, "I knew we shouldn't have gotten a woman minister. She doesn't even know how to swim." Gil in In
MW in MA, God be with you in your new church. Considering our subject this week, I remembered a story. Once a woman minister became the first woman minister at a particular congregation. One older man especially had trouble with a woman being a minister. Just to see what she would do, the man invited the minister to join him and some other male church members in fishing. To his surprise, she accepted the invitation. The time came and they went out on the water. Then they dicovered they had left all the bait on the shore. The woman minister told the men there was no problem and they wouldn't have to turn around and go ashore. With that, she stepped over the side of the boat, walked on the water to shore, got the buckets of bait, walked back on the water to the boat, got in and sat down. The one man who didn't like the idea of women ministers was heard to grumble, "I knew we shouldn't have gotten a woman minister. She doesn't even know how to swim." Gil in In
I am contemplating using the traditional interpretation of this story along with the Hymn "It is Well with my Soul." For the writer Horatio Spafford could have easily fallen into despair after the Ocean Liner accident that cost him his daughters but instead he wrote this beautiful hymn and then went on to found the American Colony in Jerusalem which is still in operation today amd provides medical care to the children of this old city.
He did this by relying on his faith and the fact that Jesus was there to lift him up in his sinking moment. We sink often but how many times do we cry out for help? Personally, I know that I'm already under the water completely by the time I cry out. But if I did rely more on Jesus and less on self, then I too could cry out "It is well with my soul."
If you need info on Horatio Spafford just do a search on his name in quotes and you should get more than enough.
James Jerpseth AtonementSD@juno.com
Many thanks to Nail-Bender in NC for his (her?) beautifully written story. Can I ask for permission to reproduce it in our bi-monthly magazine? Rev John, in Australia
One more application or illustration having to do with moving out of one's comfort zone.
Years ago, Pastor George Stockhowe, a very dear and Godly man who is still active here locally, began his sermon by asking all the folks in the pews to stand up. He then asked those who were in the back to come to the front, those who were in the front to go to the back, those who sat on the left side of the church to move to the right and those on the left to move to the right side.
I remember feeling a mixture of dis-comfort, silliness, even a bit of anger because I didn't want to move from my 'assigned' pew. But I did, after all, everyone was moving. He then went on to preach about faith, comfort zones and how God desires us to attempt that which only He can accomplish through us. It was powerful stuff.
Maybe one of you who are moving in the direction of coming out of comfort zones and relying on faith can use the same 'technique'.
Rick in Va
John,
I am deeply honored that you found the story meaningful. Please email me at rccandcc@carolina.net And it's HE, who is most greatly blessed by the SHEs, who are a part of his life and allow him to be part of their's, who offer truth, beauty, friendship, pastoral guidence, wisdom, support, encouragement, and love.
Shalom my friend, Nail-Bender in NC
Paula and all those people who want to talk about the courage to step out of the boat -- Peter sank. It may be a big mistake to tell our people that if only they had sufficient faith they would somehow prevail over all their fears and problems. That was not Peter's experiencxe and, I suspect, is not the point of this narrative. Only God walks on water.
Does anyone see any connection between this text and the preceding story about the feeding?
Does anyone see any connection between this text and the feeding narrative which precedes it?
In verse 33 we see the disciples worshipping (a key word in Matthew see 2:2,8, 11; and 28:9 for starters). Why worship Jesus? In this story I see three reasons: 1) They worship him _because there is no place that Jesus can't go_. - Even the terrifying waters are his stomping grounds. 2) They worship him _because He is never afraid_. Everyone else is terrified and bailing water (Thanks to Kevin in Indy for helping me see this reality in the text). 3)They worship him _because He is a Savior_. When Peter joins Jesus in the boat whether his actions were courageous, or foolhardy the fact remains that Jesus saved him from the Deep. So we worship him.
In verse 33, we see the disciples worshipping Jesus. Why do they worship Jesus? They worship Him 1) because there is no place He cannot go. Even the sea (sometimes scary and even haunting) is His stomping grounds. They worship Him 2) because He is never afraid (my Thanks to Kevin in Indy for making this point a reality). They worship Him 3) because He is a Savior. However you interpret the actions of Peter- foolhardy, courageous, or a little of both - we must see that in the end that Jesus is the immediate Savior- the one who reaches out His hand and snatches the little in faith from the Deep Blue Sea. This is the Jesus we worship. He surprises with his presence, drives away fear with a stroll, and saves with an extended hand. Blessings everyone. Thanks for your help.
Jason in CA
MW in MA,
I just want to offer a couple of words of support. In my first parish one older couple sent word to me through a mutual acquaintance that they were furious about my gender. By the time I left they were very vocal about their sense of loss. I offer you these thoughts from my poverty, there is notthing amazing about my ministry:
o humor works. I once said that they couldn't have a male priest because my husband is on record as being categorically opossed to me considering a sex change operation....
o pastoral presence makes a real difference. Show up at the hospital and the sick bed.
o don't take it personally. Most people want the pastor they had when they were six years old. That ain't us....
o after a while, let them see your vulnerability. The pedestal thing doesn't work for me, may not for you...
A dear friend of mine said to me, "First love God, then love the people. Everything else will work itself out."
Hope this helps.
HW in HI
MW in MA,
I just want to offer a couple of words of support. In my first parish one older couple sent word to me through a mutual acquaintance that they were furious about my gender. By the time I left they were very vocal about their sense of loss. I offer you these thoughts from my poverty, there is notthing amazing about my ministry:
o humor works. I once said that they couldn't have a male priest because my husband is on record as being categorically opossed to me considering a sex change operation....
o pastoral presence makes a real difference. Show up at the hospital and the sick bed.
o don't take it personally. Most people want the pastor they had when they were six years old. That ain't us....
o after a while, let them see your vulnerability. The pedestal thing doesn't work for me, may not for you...
A dear friend of mine said to me, "First love God, then love the people. Everything else will work itself out."
Hope this helps.
HW in HI
As I have read all of the postings about "Get out of the boat" vs. "Stay in the boat" I have been reminded of a cartoon I saw somewhere years ago with a person hanging from a branch off of the side of a cliff. The caption shows the person shouting for help and asking, "Is anybody up there?". The second panel shows a voice coming from the top of the cliff saying, "Yes, I am here." The person hanging from the branch asks for help. The voice from the top says, "I will save you. It is the Lord, just let go of your branch and I will take care of you!" The next panel has the branch hanger asking, "Is anybody else up there?" When Peter asks Jesus to call him out of the boat he is turning things around from the normal way of doing things! What kind of voice do we want to hear when the wind is fierce, or when we're hanging on to our last branch? What kind of call to we want to hear when we can't see what is going to happen to our church or family or loved one? GFinSC
06 August 1999 07:34:00
Thanks to all who share on this site. I appreciate the differing views of us all, which brings diversity and insight. Rick in VA, thanks for your insightful weaving of the scripture through and into the questions of the use of names in our responses. YOU have touched me with that dialogue around the hidden/secretive/obscure manner on dialogue which so many of us use and have been taught to use-- "be careful, don't offend, do not use names, do not take chances--there is danger about us." Is our faith going to allow us to step outside the boat? Are the winds of life howling around us going to dash any opportunity to "step out in faith, trusting that God will not guarantee our safe passage--but will indeed walk with us.
Dear God, walk with us into schools, as they begin this fall, with echoes of shots ringing in our heads. Walk with us lord to our work places, where danger obviously exits and death stalks in the masks of those tormented souls. Walk with us in the heat which brings us to the point of desiring to be washed in the cooling seas around us.
At any rate--by faith we know that Peter, not unlike us, stepped out in midst of danger. Though Peter feared and doubted, God walked with him and will walk with us--not to guarantee us human life--but to bring us to faith and to live fearlessly and compassionately toward death--which all humans will face--even Peter..BUT PETER did live!! And so can we live--in Christ!
DF in KS -- Jesus calls me by name and so can you!
Maybe its o.k. for Peter to want to do what Jesus was doing (walking over the stormy seas). I'd like to be able to walk over my stormy seas, too, as opposed to being swamped!!
I am also reminded of all the WWJD? (what would Jesus do) signs I see all over the place these days, especially in youth ministry venues. We are encouraged to try to do what Jesus would do. Peter, it seems wanted to walk in the steps of the Master, or at least try. Seems rather faithful, as opposed to audacious.
DVE
About 14 years ago I saw a poem in a spirituality magazine entitled "Surface Tension." It began "Jesus is walking on water." Has anyone seen it? It would be a wonderful resource for this Gospel, but alas, it must be at the bottom of a box somewhere. Sophie in Fla.
I have titled the message "Heart, Mouth & Feet" I am useing the Rom. 10 text with the Matt.14 text to show the relationship of what we believe to what we confess and do (ie stepping out of the boat)
Rob in Ky
some of my most pleasant experiences have been on a sailboat - gentle breezes, dolphins swimming close by, beautiful scenery; and some of my most terrifying (and sickly) as the boat was stuck and the waves beat against it and i was sea sick and i could imagine all kinds of sea monsters - and i could certainly see why the ancients thought that the sea was the place of demons and ghosts and that God would not be there. But God was! Christ will be with us always! what good news!
I am really desperate this week - just beginning. rachel
One of my greatest struggles is to remember to let Jesus do what he does well, and be satisfied with the gifts I have -- you know, those appropriate boundaries that are within the limits of my skills, abilities, and professional training. Jesus' gig is walking on water. He does that well. He doesn't need any help with that. And I have am learning to be content with being me, and not Jesus.
In my husband's sermon this week he tells about a new bridge they are building on the lake where Jesus is believed to have walked on water. They are building the bridge in the water, not OVER the water. Tourists will be able to walk over the water in imitation of Jesus via a slightly submerged foot bridge with no handrails! (Talk about risk!) Except there will be lifeguards nearby. Ha. Well, I just wanted to say thanks to Rob for his last comment re "Heart, Mouth and Feet." That's good and it will help me in the direction I am going with the sermon. --RevKK
Some final thoughts from a truley derperte preacher:
*Jesus MADE the disciples go ahead, why?
*It was between 3-6am (the 4th watch) that Jesus finally came to the disciples, thats late!-the godpels usually don't mention the time!
*Jesus was about to PASS BY the disciples when he was recognized according to Mark's version, does that imply this was a test of Jesus?
*Jesus DOESN'T stop the storm right away, Peter gets his test, faith does not bring automatic refief and comfort
*The disciples DIDN'T recognize Jesus at first
*How did Jesus say "Why do you doubt?" (frustration?, anger?, pity?, sadness?)
*Peter was saved in the midst of faliure and doubt NOT faith (is that grace?)
*The character of Peter is quite complex (like ourselves) in that he is willing to venture out but his faith crumbles under fear *Matthews text teaches about the sovreginty of Jesus -In the OT others great leaders had done water miracles but only God is given credit for having tred on the water (Job 9:8) -ego emi= I am harking back to the Mosaic telophany -the refrence to Jesus as Son of God and worship
*This is one example when Jesus does save the disciples from a plight but that does not always occur, ie it would be wrong to make this a sermon about how God always puts things right in every detail of our lives
*And finally, water was a symbol of chaos and evil in the OT which was subdued by the Yahweh
From the truly DP, Bryan in Tyler, MN
FOR JASON-5 Aug 1999 I agree with you. Whatever Peter's intent, Christ is the center of this story. So many of us have said that and then have offered sermon titles or ideas intended to get the lay people out of the pews and into risky places. Sometimes, the most risky place for me is the church, the pulpit, the pew. Annie Dilliard says that perhaps we ought to wear crash helmets when we go into worship becasue of the great and terrible power of the Lord we invoke during worship. For us here at this site, we are equating comfort in church with a boat on the seas about to be swamped under. Are we going to tell people that if they have enough faith, they will be all right. The storms come, no matter how much faith we have. As JASON said, whether we try to save the boat or abandon ship. Christ is our Salvation. STAN in TN
Am going with "Get your feet wet for Jesus" as a title, but am taking a cue from Nailbender and using a couple of stories from CPE to illustrate getting out of the boat, feeling like you're going under and having Jesus be there to sustain and liberate you from your fear.
All your comments were much help this week.
MW in MA, don't know where in the great Commonwealth you are or which denomination, but there are lots of us women pastors around, most of us the first for our congregations. The local clergy have been an enormous help to me, and their are statewide nondenominational groups of clergy women as well. Feel free to write at jarst@berkshir.net.
Peace and blessings,
Jane in Lenox
Typo, sorry, It's jarst@berkshire.net
Jane in Lenox
Yes, I know, boy it's late. Was Peter right or wrong in stepping out, or asking Jesus to command him?
I have to look at the result. Jesus said, "Come." Is God going to give us what we ask for when it is bad for us? Or do we trust a wise and loving creator?
Jesus told Peter to come. Peter obeyed, but with doubts. Jesus reached to him even in his doubts. This tells me about grace. Peter was right for stepping out, otherwise Jesus would have said something different.
So what is my boat? What chaos is in my life, the lives of my fellow believers, that we must look through to find Jesus inviting us to come with him?
Chris A. in WV
This is such a great site! I'm so very thankful for you all!
DVE, thank you for your contribution. I have a comment about WWJD. I wonder if having WWJHMD (What Would Jesus Have Me Do?) would be better? (Although this would be difficult to fit on a bracelet and be more of a challenge to market). :-)
Try as I may, I stumble, fall, and sink so often when trying to follow.
Personally, I get more out of "what would Jesus have me do." This still calls one to do what "is Godly," but also has the element of the Creator God using the particular gifts bestowed upon one within the Body of Christ.
Just some thoughts.
Preachit, my Sisters and Brothers!
Tall in TX
Sorry about that joke being posted multiple times. I don't know how that happened. Once was enough. Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Gil in In
Thanks very much for all the thoughts shared on the gospel this week. One in particular meant a lot to me. It was the story of the bereaved family, and walking towards their pain. I have mentioned before on this site, that I live and work in Omagh, where we suffered a bomb last year. When I read the about account, tears started rolling down my cheeks, as I remembered going into the hospital fifteen minutes after the bomb. There were several hundred people standing waiting to be seen to, and a lot of blood. All around were the cries of pain, which pierced my heart. Everything in me wanted to run away. To this day, I don't know why I stayed. Maybe because it was my job, so I had no choice.
All I, and other pastors who came to this scene could do, was to step out into the storm. And curiously, although I still cry at recollection of the pain; what I now remember is that Christ carried me through. I hadn't been able to utter a profound prayer, all I kept saying was "help me!", and he did.
Next week is the anniversary of the bomb, and the pain. The media have again almost engulfed the town, and the spirits of people are heavy, mine included. I have a feeling that I am to preach that we reach out and cry out, as Peter did "Lord, save me!"
Peace, Ruth in Omagh
MW in new church....one quick story....I was the first MALE pastor of a church.....I quickly turned to my female colleagues who had been through such changes, and learned a great deal.....it would seem to me that the issue is not gender....it is change...which elicits fear, which brings anger, feelings of being out of control, etc.....and it raises all sorts of questions about the authority of the pastor (at least in our denomination, which is congregational/free church).....
By the way...the first pastor was a middle-age woman (40--50 -- I hope that's an apt description), who died while serving the church...in large part because she waited 6 months to see the Dr, and by then the cancer was too far gone. Then came Karen, a young, right out-of-seminary pastor. She lasted five years, but reported to me that it was a long interim. Then came me, to the calls of some, "Finally, a man," and to the calls of others, "Who does he think he is?" I also did an interim, in effect, and some house cleaning. My name is Chris, by the way. So, then came pastor number four. Another female, named Chris. Actually Christy. Nothing like the best of both worlds.
Now to the passage -- everyone's back in their boat, feeling comfortable. All parties are happy, because those who wanted a woman, have one, and those who liked me still have a Chris.
Well, it ain't really that nicely ribboned of a package, but close.
Thanks to all of you who have posted your thoughts on this site. I'm a lay leader who is preaching tomorrow, and have drawn a blank so far. Your insights and ideas have certainly give me many thngs to think about. At the moment I have no idea what direction I should take with tomorrow's sermon - in fact, the conflicting views have only added to my confusion - , but I'm sure some prayer time will lead me in the direction God wants me to go.
May God's blessings be upon you. Jamie in NC, USA
All this talk about walking on water reminds me of a wonderful friend who, when I begin beating myself up, would say, "Brandon, have you walked on water yet?" Her comment was a wonderful way of reminding me I am only human.
Brandon in CA
Clergy Couple in NC: Having a job deciding which angle to take and then it hit me: why not use them all? The Robert Fulgrum reference inspired me to come up with this sermon title: "Everything I Ever Needed To Know I Learned In A Great Storm." A wonderful beginning to a 12 point sermon (one for every disciple) on the lesson of faith. Also, a great children's sermon is to focus on our fear of getting "wet." Try showing up with your raincoat, umbrella, life jacket (if you have one), and floatie at church tomorrow. Feed on the fear of getting wet and close with the idea that if you never get wet, you never learn to swim.
I am preaching the Gospel lectionary for all of August on the theme: Miracles. I am really struggling about the purpose of miracles, and how it is our human nature to focus on fixing temporal things (sickness, relationships, careers, etc). I know in my church, we put God to the test every Sunday during our prayer time. What kind of miracle should we pray for. Isn't the goal of Christianity to be less "me centered" and more "Christ centered?"
As a person who lost her mother prematurely to a terminal illness where there was no apparent cause or reason, I have "lost my faith" in physical healing and miracles. Someone who can swim on this one, please help me know how to shepherd my flock on this one. No trite answers, please. I know we pray for the greater healing (our souls in Christ). But how do we get our congregation to that level of understanding?
Looking for your response in Christ, MM in NC
MW in MA
Thank you for sharing your baseball story. At least that's what I call it. Words of encouragement follow ‹ I think it depends upon whose team you're on. I would call being a ‹ newly ordained pastor in June, second Sunday as a pastor in the pulpit of a new church, and first female pastor to serve that congregation, all that totals THREE HOME RUNS! I don't see any strikes thus far! As long as your playing ball on Jesus' team, all of your efforts will lead to HOME RUNS.
I've not seen anyone quote the old hymn with politically incorrect language, by Edwarde S. Ufford, "Throw Out the Life-Line" Those who leave the church Christ founded will one day be floundering.
Verse One
Throw out the Life-line across the dark wave,
There is a brother whom someone should save;
O who then, will dare To throw out the Life-Line, his peril to share?
Verse Two
Throw out the Life-Line with hand quick and strong:
Why do you tarry, why linger so long?
See! He is sinking O hasten today
And out with the Life-Boat! Away, then away!
Verse Three
Throw out the Life-In e to danger fraught men,
Sinking in anguish where you've never been:
Winds of temptation and billows of woe,
Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.
Verse Four
Soon will the season of rescue be o'er,
Soon will they drift to eternity's shore;
Haste, then, my brother, no time for delay,
But throw out the Life-Line and save them today.
Refrain
Throw out the Life-Line!
Throw out the Life-Line!
Some-one is drifting away;
(second line ending)
Someone is sinking today.
In any of life's storms, I'd rather be in a bounding boat
than in drowning water.
Jesus is the Life-Line! Amen!
WI Cheeseman
love the words of Mahalia Jackson's spiriual "What Matter of a Man Is This?"... about Jesus walking on water.
Thanks to the folks for the reminding that this DPS is one of charity and tenderness, love and gentleness... without skirting the issues... There has been far too much bashing, and pain by a few persons who forget that this is not their personal stage to beat up others in the name of Christ.
Appreciated this week when persons stayed with the text, asked questions, offered stories, poems, resources.... shared about being a new female pastor.... thank God who the courage given to women who have had to step out of the boats in the Church. Thank God for the many talents women have offered the Church , even in the face of violence and injustice. Stay with the parish.... if the present members have a problem and can't get over with it... they need to be reminded that the Church does not belong them..... if they leave theye must accept that it is THEY who have the problem. During the past 4 years, our congregation has lauched 6 women pastors into the pastoral boat of the tossing seas... We are humbled and grateful that we are able to be part of the Church dealing with Gender Justice.
Pastor Don, Elmira, NY
Correction-- I love the words of Mahalia Jackson's spiritual "What Matter of a Man Is This?"... about Jesus walking on water. words to chorus are...
What matter of a man is this who gave his life for me? What matter of a man is this who helped to set me free? He walked upon the water he stilled the raging sea. What matter of a man is this the man from Galilee?
Thanks to the folks for the reminding that this DPS is one of charity and tenderness, love and gentleness... without skirting the issues... There has been far too much bashing, and pain by a few persons who forget that this is not their personal stage to beat up others in the name of Christ.
Appreciated this week when persons stayed with the text, asked questions, offered stories, poems, resources.... To our sister who shared about being a new female pastor.... thank God who the courage given to women who have had to step out of the boats in the Church. Thank God for the many talents women have offered the Church , even in the face of violence and injustice. Stay with the parish.... if the present members have a problem and can't get over with it... they need to be reminded that the Church does not belong them..... if they leave they must accept that it is THEY who have the problem. During the past 4 years, our congregation has launched 6 women pastors into the pastoral boat of the tossing seas... We are humbled and grateful that we are able to be part of the Church dealing with Gender Justice.
Pastor Don, Elmira, NY
Clergy Couple in NC Back Again: Well here it is...the final draft of "All I Ever Needed To Know I Learned in A Storm" (Top 12)...a gleaning of the inclusive ideas offered from this website: 1. Faith is not a weather forecast. (vs. 22) 2. Live on Holy Ground not on High Ground (v.23) 3. Storms Happen. (v.24) 4. Jesus Rocks (The Boat) (v. 25) 5. If You Look For God in the Sunshine, it Will Be Easier to Recognize God in the Rain. v.26) 6. When You're In Over Your Head, Know That There Is ONE Who is Over Yours. (v.27) 7. You'll Never Learn To Swim If You Never Get Wet. (v. 28) 8. You Must First Learn To Float Before You Can Swim. (v.29) 9. Sin Sinks. Love Floats. (v.30) 10. Faith, Like The Sea, Is Filled One Drop At A Time. (v. 31) 11. Never Swim Alone. (v. 32) 12. Only Jesus Alone Can Walk On Water, But He'll Carry You.(v.33)
MM in NC
I realize I am very late in posting, but perhaps this will help someone in the future. As I looked at the Romans passage and then thought of Peter, I came up with this. Paul talks about believing in our hearts and testifying with our mouth to be justified and saved. And he said that eveyrone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Move to Peter. He calls on the name of the Lord and Jesus saves him. Yet, I wonder, was he confessing with his mouth and not believing in his heart? Just some thoughts. Hope it helps, as all of you have helped me so often. Thank you and God bless!
Augiegal in Illinois
Thanks you to everyone who reached out their hand to me this week. I have learned a great deal about this pericope - as I have lived it, looked at it in an entirely new way. I will stand in the pulpit this morning a better person, a better pastor, a better Christian because of the love you, my brothers and sisters, have extended to me. Thank you for letting your love touch me in this lonely place.
And so for me - at least for now - I'm staying in the boat, because, afterall, Jesus is walking right towards it!
Blessings and peace, MW in MA