Commanded to do the Impossible

Matthew received this account of Jesus walking on the water from Mark (6:45-52). We know that because the beginning of his account follows Mark nearly word for word. It is in the body of the story that Matthew has altered it. While Mark uses this story to show the ignorance of the disciples, Matthew has altered it to give a different lesson. By noting that it is the boat that is in trouble Matthew has expanded this text to include the church. The church is often buffeted and rocked by the struggles of the world. In those times we are to call on Jesus to tell us what to do as Peter did. Note here that Peter is to walk on the water, not the sea, and he is able to until he again notices the troubles around him and begins to sink. Then he finally calls out, “Lord, save me.” Finally seeing that his salvation is only through Jesus. After this they find themselves in Gennesaret where Jesus’ ministry continues.

It is the church, you and I, who are now the subjects of this story. We too are out in a boat heading toward the destination Jesus has given us. As we look to the destination and the world around us we can be uncertain of our ability to complete the task and afraid of the consequences of our journey. There are many troubled waters in our life, many obstacles in our way. If we look too long and too hard at the task at hand we will believe that it is an impossible task and just give up and drown in the fears and worries of the world. That is why Matthew reminds us that we are to focus on Jesus and not on the wind and waves that buffet us in this world. We can do this because Jesus has called us and has given us all that we need to be the bearers of God’s message to the world.

Besides Peter and the disciples our scripture today tells us of two others in the same boat. Elisha, who had just shown the great power of God by defeating the priests of Baal in a great contest, was now hiding in a cave on a mountain in fear of his life. It is interesting that at this moment God does not come to him in the power and noise of a wind, an earthquake, or a fire but out of sheer silence. Just where so many would think God is not, there God is. And in that silence Elisha finds the strength to do as God commanded. Our other example is Paul. He certainly was buffeted by many winds since he began his ministry to the Gentiles. He was imprisoned, beaten, betrayed, even ship-wrecked because he answered God’s call. Even as he was writing his letter to the Romans he was awaiting trial in Rome. A trial that would result in his death. Like Elisha, he was able to do the impossible because he relied on Jesus to guide his way.

You are one of a long list of passengers who have rowed on the boat God has sent into the world. That boat has been buffeted by storms and troubles for thousands of years. It is still afloat today and we are now the ones Jesus has commanded to walk on the waters that buffet the world and with Jesus at the helm work to bring peace and justice to the world.