JESUS WALKED ON THE SEA

Newsletter 229 January 21, 2011

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Standing outside the ancient synagogue where Capernaum once flourished, and looking beyond the small harbor below one can see the far shore of the Sea of Galilee. On the beautiful day we were there, it is hard to picture that violent storms often descend with a vengeance just out there. Galilee is only fourteen miles long, and eight broad at its widest, but it is also over a hundred and fifty feet deep at its deepest. This is where Jesus astounded his Apostles by walking across the sea to join their boat as they were struggling in the face of a strong wind. This all happened just after he had fed the five thousand. As we left the harbor, we noted a fishing boat that had been altered to appear like they did of Jesus’ day. The high bow had probably been added so it could be used in a film, or so tourists could hire it and take pictures of it. Ours was a modern ship that could carry all the passengers of our tour bus at one time.

Matthew 14:22-33 (King James Version)

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
(Mark 6:45-51, John 6:15-21)

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, Luke 9”28, John 6:15)

Having sent the twelve on by boat, Jesus went up to a nearby mountain to pray alone with His Father. He often took Peter, James and John with him; the boat may have well belonged to Peter so, understandably he stayed with his boat.

As they were battling a head wind, they would have been tacking back and forth and making very slow headway. They may have been using oars as well. I will always remember an entire day when our ship, in convoy, just managed to stay in one spot because of such a wind.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. (Acts 27:4)

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. (Matthew 24:43, Mark 13:35)

A third of the group had been fishermen, and professional sailors, are superstitious by nature. That is why they were terrified. One of the few times that we traveled to Africa by ship, the captain commented to me that his crew considered it very bad luck to have either women or missionary passengers aboard. That may be based on the account of Jonah or Paul. Both times they wanted to throw the offender overboard. .

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. (Luke 24:37)

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (Mark 9:2, Matthew 17:7, Matthew 28:5, Matthew 28:10, Mark 6:50, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, Luke 2:10, Luke 5:10, Luke 12:32, John 6:20, Revelation 1:17)

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Peter was torn between his absolute faith in Jesus, but his experience on the water. He made a good start, but then looked down and started to sunk like a rock.

Peter was tormented by two

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 6”30, Matthew 8:26, Matthew 16:8)

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 4:3)

God often permits us to be, likewise, tempted in order to test our faith and to encourage us to work harder to strengthen it. Just as Jesus was there to offer a hand to Peter, he is here with us in our times of peril reaching out His hand to lead us onward. We need not face our problems alone. He loves us!
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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
JANUARY

23rd. Sunday – Genesis 46, 47, Matthew 15:21-39, Psalm 14
24th. Monday – Genesis 48, 49, 50, Matthew 16, Proverbs 3:1-10
25th. Tuesday – Job 1, 2, 3, Matthew 17, Psalm 15
26th. Wednesday-- Job 4, 5, 6, Matthew 18, Psalm 16:1-6
27th. Thursday - Job 7, 8, 9, Matthew 19, Psalm 16:7-11
28th. Friday – Job 10, 11, 12, Matthew 20, Proverbs 3:11-20
29th. Saturday-- Job 13, 14, 15, Matthew 21:1-22, Psalm 17:1-5

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Matthew 7:14
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How To Give Your Cat A Pill...

1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.
6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9. Forget it. The cat will leave you at the first chance it gets. Wouldn’t you if you hated pills that much?

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