The command from Christ is to live a life of FAITH vs a life of FEAR
Matthew 14:22–27
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
One of the best things about the disciples was their willingness to obey. They had waited and searched so long for the Messiah that when they found Him, they were willing to do anything to keep him. Any command, they were quick to follow, but when their flesh won out they responded with fear, uncertainty and doubt.
Christ spoke to his Disciples in the middle of the storm. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
This is the command that we should live out from the natural reaction. The natural man lives in fear. We are told to “not be afraid.” Peter was in the boat with friends and fellow fisherman trying to weather the storm. Then he sees Jesus and does the unthinkable. He responded in FAITH. He got out of the boat.
Matthew 14:28–31
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
How often do we find ourselves looking for Jesus on the stormy waters of life? We may have the courage to step out and get into the waves but then we start to feel alone. We respond in Fear to the situation, even knowing that our Salvation is near. Then comes His hand and His words. Christ drives us to respond in FAITH rather than FEAR.
How will you respond today? #FaithvsFear
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mt14.31