“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!” (Mt 14:27)

2-JESUS SPEAKS TO US

*Immediately Jesus spoke…

The disciples were trying hard to steady the boat. These were experienced fishermen. But this storm was different. They obeyed the command of the Master and found themselves in the middle of the storm. They were confused… Many questions flashed in their mind: Did Jesus make a mistake sending them away? Did He not know that the storm is coming? Does He want them dead? So many questions, so many doubts, so many fears… It was night, not even the stars were seen. The wind was blowing against them… Surely, this is the end…who can survive this…

Then something happened… no book could ever prepare a man to understand it. Jesus was coming towards them walking on top of the angry waves. They shouted in fear: ‘It is a spirit…’ No man of flesh and blood can walk on the water. It has to be a spirit. Maybe they are dead too…or so they thought… Then ‘immediately Jesus spoke’ words of comfort and life: ‘Take courage! I Am! Stop being afraid!’

The word ‘spoke’ is the same with the word ‘preach’. On top of a watery pulpit, in the middle of the night, Jesus ‘immediately’ preached His sermon. His words were clear…this is a command to be obeyed instantly: ‘Take courage!’ In other words Jesus preached to them: ‘Be bold! Dare to believe that I Am God! Reject the fear of death! I AM in charge!’

To be bold means to be fearless, to be full of faith and confidence that God is in control in the midst of danger. To dare means to have sufficient courage to confront an enemy confident that you shall win. Fear is the opposite. Fear is the enemy. It is described as a painful, strong agitation in the face of danger. It manifests as loss of courage and loss of faith. Fear is an evil spirit and it can be hidden during times of peace. Pride makes a man deny the bondage to fear. You need a crisis to recognize your bondage to fear. You need an encounter with Jesus, in the midst of a deadly storm, to be delivered from the merciless grip of the fear of death. The bondage is a life time long, but glory to God, deliverance comes ‘immediately’.

In Christ I declare:

I destroy any bondage to fear and doubt!

I reject any evil spirits of religion, pride, fear and doubt!

God has given me power, love and sound mind!

I am bold like the Lion of Judah!

I am free! I am encouraged!

In Jesus name

Amen!