Tuesday, March 12

Jeremiah 17:19-27
Psalms 94, 95, 97, 99, 100
Romans 7:13-25
John 6:16-27  

Another stop on our visit, on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, was Capernaum, said to be the home of Peter, where an ancient church site marks the spot.  John tells us that the disciples, heading to Capernaum from Tiberias, were rowing in the dark across the sea (really a lake about 8 miles wide, often with big squalls).  When they were about half way across, a storm came up, the sea rose and a strong wind blew.  Then the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, coming near to their boat.  Of course, they were afraid, but Jesus told them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”  They were then reassured and were glad, taking Jesus into their boat.

Here we see Jesus mastering the forces of nature.  The disciples had never seen anyone walking on water – naturally they’re afraid – plus the storm was great and that must have added to the fear.  It’s the same when we’re afraid – when we face uncertainly, pain, or any sort of trouble in our lives.  Jesus is as near to us as he was to the disciples on the dark, stormy sea.  We have only to let him into our boat, our lives, so that we can feel the calmness that His nearness brings.

Elizabeth and Ian Bremner