“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side…” (Mt 14:22)

It was a rainy day. Most people could not come to church. But the faithful ones came expecting to meet with God. The Holy Spirit helped us all, teacher and congregation. We looked tire. but the we prayed and the spiritual atmosphere suddenly changed. We refused to allow the rain dampen our spirits. We sang: ‘Do something new in my heart, O Lord’. Then we received the Word of God. The title of the sermon was “Immediately Jesus…” Thank You Lord for the privilege to serve You!

This is the wonderful story of how Jesus walked upon the water. Peter too followed; at least some few steps. The word ‘immediately’ appears three times in this story. It gives the feeling of continuous movement, like a quick dance with the Lord. We are not permitted to slow down, to be lazy or to stop dreaming. There is a gentle pushing from behind… There is no time to waste, no delay, no hesitation, no doubt. There is a feverish activity, a sense of urgency… a mystery enveloping the story. We do not understand everything, but we try to believe… Things happen suddenly… the storm… the cold wind blowing in the night… no stars…the deadly waves… And suddenly, walking on top of the water… (‘Yes, you heard it right’)… Jesus comes closer, like a ghost. The congregation in the boat is gripped with great fear and too little faith. But peace comes at last… Such a marvelous story…What are the lessons for us?

1-JESUS LEADS US
*Immediately Jesus made them…
The disciples witnessed a mighty miracle. Five thousand men and women were fed with just five loaves of bread and two fishes. Jesus multiplied this little offering and it became more than enough to feed them all. The disciples were still excited about what they’ve seen, talking to one another.
Suddenly Jesus ‘made’ them get into the boat. The word ‘made’ in Greek is a strong word. It means to be violent, to force somebody, to apply overwhelming pressure to do something against his will. It means to compel, to overcome somebody’s resistance or unwillingness by a superior power. This violent pressure was applied ‘immediately’ or unexpectedly. In other words, Jesus wanted His disciples to enter the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, knowing that the storm is coming. He leads them to meet the storm. Clearly, there are lessons we can learn only in the middle of a trial. We want to go around a crises but Jesus wants us to go thru the middle of it. Without Him applying pressure we shall never leave our comfort zones. Without Jesus forcing us to enter the fire, we shall miss the miracle of victory, the blessing of healing and the gain of proven faith made gold.

In Christ I declare:
I trust the Lord to move, push or send me, wherever He wants!
Even when I do not understand, I shall trust God!
Even when my suffering is long, Jesus shall come ‘immediately’!
I shall not fear! I shall not doubt!
Here I am Lord! Send me!
In Jesus name
Amen!