Jesus sent his disciples away from the multitude that had partaken of the five loaves and two fish. He knew that they would like nothing better than to make Jesus an earthly king over an earthly kingdom, and restore the fortunes of a physical kingdom per David and Solomon. He sent them away so that they would not yield to the pressure, and to give him some much needed time to spend with his Father.

We cannot stress enough that Jesus made time with his Father. When facing severe trials (as in the temptation or the Garden of Gethsemane); when faced with major decisions (as to who to choose to be his disciples) or when he was weary and needed encouragement, he made the time to spend with the Father. Child of God, do you make time in your busy life to spend with the Father? Do you listen to him through his inspired word? Do you pray to him about every problem, trial and joy in your life? Do you commune with him on Sunday mornings through the Lord's Supper? Do you look forward to spending time with God? These questions should make us stop and think about our spiritual well being and our relationship with God. Are we developing a relationship with God that we crave to be near him?

As Jesus was on the mountain, renewing his strength he sees that the disciples are struggling to go across the Sea of Galilee, and begins then to go to them on the Sea. It is about 3:00 AM, and he walks on the sea to meet them.

Many have problems with this account, and try to find a rationalistic reason why Jesus is walking on the water. Some seem to suggest that Jesus is walking in the water close to the beach, and there is no miracle involved whatsoever. However, this is not what the text says, nor is this even implied. And this brings us again to the question of faith. Do we believe the Word of God? Can we (dare we) ignore this portion of Scripture as not being true? If that is the case, can we trust anything Scripture says? Can we pick and choose like so many wish to do today? Or do we believe because we know it is God's Word; that he will not lie; and this is recorded to build faith? It does make a difference; and while we cannot explain everything, we believe in Jesus, who is able to do as he desires (because it is in keeping with the Father's will).

The disciples see Jesus on the water, and they are afraid. Jesus speaks to them, "It is I, do not be afraid." How often does God speak to man and tells him not to fear or be afraid?. There is a lot of fear in the world today, but for the Christian who places all his/her faith in God, there is no reason to fear. Our Father will take care of everything in his own way. Do you fear? Look with the eyes of faith to God who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:19-20).

Peter asked the Lord to come out on the water with Jesus (Matthew is the only writer that records this event). As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, all was well (and as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus all will be well). But when he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the waves and the water, he began to sink (which again suggests that this was in the Sea, not on the edges of the shore). When we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at the storms that will inevitably come to all of us, we will sink every time. Thankfully however, Jesus is there to save us! Jesus then lovingly rebukes his brave disciple for his lack of faith. I wonder, however -- How many of us would even get out of the boat?

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!