GOD’S WORD FOR  NOVEMBER 11

Our  book excerpt today, and ongoing,  is from “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand”  Lessons from the Life of Peter, by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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(See Matthew 14:2)

“But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (vs 30).

What caused Peter to be distracted?  Why did he shift his eyes from Christ?  He had a moment of self-awareness, the sensation that he was doing something which under normal conditions was impossible.  He knew that the wind and the waves were more powerful than he;  he knew that he didn’t have the power to tame the unpredictable powers of nature;  and yet for this brief moment there he was, walking n water with his Master.

But the pressure of the wind and the noise  of the waves distracted him;  he turned to face them and immediately began to sink.  In a flash he realized he was just as helpless as he thought himself to be. 

HE FAILED BECAUSE HE LOOKED AWAY FROM JESUS.

There is a place for long prayers; indeed we should spend much time praying privately and publicly.  But this was one of those times when only a short prayer was possible.  In desperation Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!”  And those three simple words captured the attention and intervention of Christ.  The Master graciously stretched out His hand and lifted Peter out of the water.  “O you of little faith, why do you doubt?” (Vs 31).

Peter has often been criticize for his lack of faith.  But we must commend him for taking the risk of walking on the water.  He could have stayed in the relative safety of the boat with the other disciples.  Some people have never failed simply because they have never attempted anything of significance.  Those who have never stepped out of a boat should not be critical of those who do.  Leslie B.  Flynn says that a believing Peter who is wet is better than a doubting Thomas who is dry!

Of course, to Peter’s credit, he attempted the impossible only because he heard Christ’s command, “Come.”  Without such explicit instruction, jumping out of the boat would have been folly and suicide. 

Also, he took the risk alone.  If indeed this was a phantom and not the Lord, only he would suffer the consequences.

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Isaiah 41:13

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Psalm 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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