August 12, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Lord, Save Me!

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Lord, You hear both my prayers and my complaints. I love You; still, I sometimes disregard You. I long for You today.

Read Matthew 14:22-36

[22] Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. [23] After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, [24] and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. [25] Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. [27] But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” [28] “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” [32] And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. [33] Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” [34] When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him [36] and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

Reflect on a time when you did not get help as soon as you asked for it. However, in looking back at the experience you now see, in God’s wisdom, that it led to spiritual and emotional growth.

After his compassionate concern for people forced him to postpone his retreat, Jesus now gets his break for recovery and prayer. In his humanity, he was as subject to physical and emotional exhaustion as we are. To surrender to the God-given rhythms of effort and rest, of spiritual expenditure and recovery, is to recognize the wise Creator’s provision for a healthy life of service. So Jesus spends time with the Father, even at the expense of sleep–that other normal, God-given provision for regular refreshment.

But again his disciples need him. Does he ever tire, as we do, of the demands his children make? In wisdom, he knows when to let them toil for some hours in their own effort (24), when to let them sink and learn from the experience, and when to rescue them with a word or a helping hand. Mark’s parallel account does not mention Peter’s impetuous action, perhaps because Peter, the presumed source of his account, was embarrassed by it or, having learned humility, was loath to highlight his extraordinary experience. What is clear is that the disciples were calmed and reassured by their Master’s physical presence. “Presence” is a great gift we can give others in the name of Jesus, but we need an intimate relationship with the Giver of wisdom to know when to step into a situation of need, when to wait and how best to extend the hand of help.

There is also the gift of touch. Jesus’ hands touch the bread and fish as he blesses and distributes them, and on other occasions his touch has brought healing (Matt. 8:3,15). Here, in allowing others to touch him, he provides a similar channel of acceptance and gratitude (35-36). Sometimes the hand that touches saves you from sinking.

Apply

You may not need to walk on water but are you walking through a tough situation? How can looking to Christ and his power help you in this situation?

Closing prayer

Loving Lord, I know I would be more inclined to stay in the boat rather than attempt to walk on the water. Press in on me in my love of security, and lead me into new ventures for You.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

View all readings

Get ENCOUNTER:

in your email:

in Print:

Become a Member | Visit our store