Today's discussion question: Peter steps out on: faith in Jesus or Jesus' faith in him?
(First of all, let me apologize for listing today's reading as Mark on our handout. Big OOPS! Not my first mistake.)
My faith longs for an incarnation of the divine Creator who can manipulate the laws of nature with the power the author of those laws should possess. Peter seems to believe that Jesus could command him to come out of the boat and the physical properties of that water, or his body, or both would change. Somehow, the usually fluid state of the water would hold together to support his normally solid body.
Confronted with such a situation, our human skepticism would search for rocks or a sandbar under the water. Then Peter sinks. "Was he standing on a whale's back? Wait there are no whales in the Sea of Galilee!"
Look, I don't want to worship a hero with a different molecular structure caused by foreign radiation of a different sun resulting in superhuman strength. Don't explain Jesus' miracles to me. Crazy beliefs that Jesus can alter physics to walk on water lead to crazy beliefs that he can alter human conditions like incessant jealousy or overwhelming regret.
This week's theme, trusting vs testing, comes to life in Peter's experience here. I believe Peter unknowingly tests his trust in Jesus. Impulsively, he knows Jesus is one with Creator God. That knowledge relaxes his grip on the boat's side rail. He exhale's all his fear and wiggles his toes with joy as he steps out of the boat. This story has caused the Church and individual members of it to accomplish the impossible time and time again.
What do you think?
Tell us about your hopes & goals for 40 Days 'Till Easter.
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