More Than a Ghost Story II (2021 Edition)

 

 

Introduction

      As we get further into the month of October, thoughts of stories told around the campfire come to mind. One of the favorite types of ghost stories are those that take place out at sea. Phantom ships that appear unexpectedly with ghost crews that are condemned to sail the sea eternally. The bible tells a tale somewhat like this but as stated in the title, it’s more than a ghost story…

 

Walking on Water

     Imagine yourself in a boat with a group of friends in the middle of a lake. As you look toward the shore, you see a ghostly figure standing there. Suddenly the figure walks towards you right on top of the water! It’s enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. The disciples felt the same way in Matt. 14:24-26, But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost”" And they cried out for fear.

To allay their fears, Jesus called out to them in vs. 27, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter though was not positive of his identity and wanted proof, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus (vs. 28-29).

 

Losing One’s Focus

Peter actually walked on the water! The scriptures do not say how far of a distance he actually walked but based on verses 30 and 31, Peter didn’t just stand on the water, nor was he close enough to the boat to get back in, But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Why did Peter sink? He was distracted and lost his focus on the Lord. He was more concerned about the events that were taking place around him rather than putting his full attention on The Lord.

In John 14:6 Jesus stated, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If we keep Him in mind, we won’t sink. The apostle Paul wrote, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1-2) 

 

The Burden of Sin

Sin is a very heavy weight on our lives which becomes a burden. That’s why Jesus invites all to carry his yoke, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30). Paul also wrote, For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7). Peter did walk by faith as long as he focused on Jesus. But Peter lost that faith when his sight was turned away from his Lord. When our focus is not on the Lord then we might turn to sin. If we keep Jesus in our sights, and at all times, we can succeed one day at a time.

 

The Son of God

Returning to Matt. 14, in the next two verses of the story, Jesus got into the boat, And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” (vs. 32-33). 

But the story doesn’t end there. In a parallel passage in Mark 6:51-52, it gives a little more insight to the lesson, Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

Before he walked on the water, he had just performed another miracle of feeding over 5,000 people from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish (see Mark 6:33-44). They didn’t worship him then but did when he walked on the water. Is there a difference? NO! 

To the disciples, they perceived the feeding of 5000 people as being second nature to the Son of God. But to walk on the water was a true miracle! This is a continuous problem that people have today. We sometimes underestimate the power of Jesus Christ or simply take it for granted. We must believe that He is the Son of God and that He can save us all from sin.

 

Conclusion

    Jesus is not a ghost as the disciples first perceived him. He is very much alive today and seated at the right hand of the Father. The power to overcome the grave is our hope in the resurrection and the freedom of fleshly bonds. We must always keep our eyes fixed on the Lord to avoid the temptation of sin (Col. 3:2; Rom. 8:6).