Wednesday,

March 2, 2016

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus.  But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?                        

Matthew 14: 28-31

Thoughts:

That’s my boy Peter.  He is so quick to put himself out there, so quick to try. But, instead of upbraiding him, Jesus rescues him and simply asks him a question.  If Jesus wanted to cast any disciple to the side, it would have been Peter.  He made so many mistakes (from telling Jesus off about His death to cutting off a Centurion’s ear); but each time, Jesus used the opportunity to teach him.  I wonder if this is how Jesus sees us.  Even when we are quick to jump out there and then seize up with fear, is Jesus standing nearby, reaching and choosing to use our errors, our sin, to instruct us and help us grow?  Certainly Peter benefitted from his “lessons”, and Jesus never gave up on him.  Maybe Peter really is my hero and my mentor.  For if Jesus loved him and continued to pour into him, despite his penchant for messing up, there is hope for me    . . . and you.