JOHN 6:16-21 ETERNAL JESUS, STRONG TO SAVE

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Since the Fall the world has been a place of chaos and adversity for God’s people. The record of Scripture is one that reveals God as the deliver of his people and the sovereign Lord of creation. It is God who brings light and order to the chaos in the beginning (Genesis 1). It is God, through Moses, that delivers the Israelites from the darkness of slavery and the chaos of the chase by dividing the waters (Exodus 14). Psalm 107 is a wonderful summary of God’s saving mercy, and includes the following:

23 Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.

24 They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.

25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril

their courage melted away.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end.

28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of

their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Again, Jesus is revealed as greater than Moses. Jesus’ actions are the very works attributed to God. It was around the Passover, and from manna to the taming of the Red Sea to the arrival at the Promised Land, Jesus demonstrates that he is the power that was mediated through Moses. So too, Jesus is sovereign over the chaos and adversity in the world today. As we sail through the storms that are part of life in this world we need to be ever vigilant in seeking the Lord and ever ready to welcome him into our boat. If we are to see him in the storm, our eyes of faith must be trained through a thorough knowledge of his word.

In the midst of the adversity I face in my life, help me, O Lord, to see you and have the faith to know who you are. Ever sail with me so that at the appointed time I might safely arrive at your eternal dwelling place. Amen.