August 16, 2020 -- John 6:18-21 -- Footprints on the waves

The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.  When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.  But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

John 6:18-21 English Standard Version

Many of the disciples were experienced fishermen before Jesus called them to Himself. That is an important piece to remember when reading this story. They knew the weather. They knew how to handle themselves. But, fellow believers, even in the areas we are more experienced, we will experience great challenges and difficulties. God our Father uses every circumstance in our life to train us in holiness and trust. If we are relying on ourselves, we have misplaced our faith.

Commentaries on this passage, and study bibles with good footnotes, will point to a Psalm that seems to be echoed here. It is Psalm 77:

Your way was through the sea,

your path was through the great waters;

yet your footprints were unseen.

You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77:19-20 ESV

God the Great opened the Red Sea for His people Israel, when they were caught between the powerful army of Pharaoh his chariots and army and the impenetrable Red Sea. The God of Creation opened the Red Sea so that His people could pass through safely. Steeped as they were in the Old Testament, the disciples would know that passage well and remember the events to which it referred.

Now Jesus’s disciples were facing the terrors of another sea and it threatened to overwhelm them. Jesus walked on the water. He proved Himself greater than the storm, more powerful than churning tumultuous waters and stronger even than their fears which had overtaken them. He showed Himself to be God the LORD, even as the people in the Old Testament were saved by the LORD, so would the LORD save His people. That is our confidence today also, He will use all circumstances in our life to expose our haughty pride and bring us to our knees in awareness of our utter need for Him to be King of our lives and Him alone the Sovereign.

Where are you experiencing fears that threaten to overwhelm you? Where are you recognizing you are out of your depths and beginning to panic? Jesus Christ is our salvation. He is greater than the storms of our lives and more powerful than any circumstances. Beleaguered, weary people turn to Jesus. He is our peace. He is our salvation. He is Master of such storms so that we take our eyes off ourselves and our pride is smashed to the ground and we learn humble reliance on Him.

Today’s prayer is based completely on Psalm 77. May the LORD our God give us victory in the places where we most need it, so that for us, Jesus is all in all.

I cry aloud to You, Living God,

aloud to You, and You will hear me.

In the day of trouble I seek You, Mighty LORD;

in the night, tired and worn I continually stretch out my hands appealing to You.

Then Your Spirit stirred me to remember Your past faithfulnesses to me.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD and ponder all your work.

What god is great like You, O LORD my God?!

When the waters saw you, O God,
    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
    indeed, the deep trembled.
 The clouds poured out water;
    the skies gave forth thunder;
    your arrows flashed on every side.
 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
    your lightnings lighted up the world;
    the earth trembled and shook.
 Your way was through the sea,
    your path through the great waters;
    yet your footprints were unseen.
 You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Amen.