Walking on Water

Walking on Water

Jesus was a surfer. Jesus is a surfer. 

The Bible speaks often of the sea and its powerful waves. Throughout the four books of the Bible that give different views of the life of Jesus (the Gospels), we see Jesus spend much of his time in or near the Sea of Galilee. He spent time there by himself in prayer and solitude, he spent time there with his close friends, and he spent time in or near the sea teaching, and sometimes even healing, crowds of people. 

The book of Psalms shares much of God’s creation and the ocean. Who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples? (Psalm 65:7, NASB) Psalm 93:4 says, More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty (NASB). In the book of Isaiah, we see the power of God and his might compared to the ocean: For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea and its waves roar (Isaiah 51:15, NASB). 

Throughout the Bible, we read that Jesus and the sea often go together. Below is the well-known story of Jesus coming to the aid of his friends by literally walking on water and calming the stormy waves. 

“Jesus and the sea often go together.”

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.

In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” - Matthew 14:23-32 (NLT) 

I love this story. As the sun is setting, we find Jesus spending time in the hills praying while his friends fish nearby in the Sea of Galilee. A powerful storm slams the sea, creating large waves that threaten the lives of Jesus’ friends. Jesus came to the rescue by walking on water toward the boat.

One of Jesus’ best friends, a very emotional leader named Peter, steps out in faith and obedience (as Jesus tells him to “come”) and also walks on water. When Peter doubts Jesus, he begins to sink, and when he believes in Jesus, he is able to walk on water. 

In this story, we see Jesus calm the waves and display his power. While he does this, he shows us his desire for Peter to trust and obey him. How exactly does Jesus do this? Jesus invites Peter to come to him, to trust him, to walk with him. But there is a catch here. To do so, Peter needs to get out of the boat. Jesus will take care of Peter, even in the middle of a powerful storm that was frightening the most seasoned of fishermen. But first, Peter needs to get out of the boat. 

Dropping In is a book that encourages you to get out of the boat. Dropping In is a book that will point you toward and strengthen you in a trusting relationship with the one who walked on water, calmed the ocean’s waves, and looked out for his friends. 

Experiencing an abundant life, what I like to call “spiritual stoke”, does not come from living an easy, comfortable life. Jesus does not promise a stress-free life. But Jesus does promise abundant life. This spiritual stoke is a life thoroughly enjoyed in the context of a relationship with the God who created you, the God who created the mighty waves of the ocean, the God who desires to walk with you. 

Check out Dropping In: Experience the Life You Were Meant to Live for more info.