Lesson 720

(Lesson 720)(08-09-13) Today's example of an expression of faith, lack thereof, is found in Matthew 14:31. To establish the context we will quote verses 22-32 of Matthew 14;

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."

This lesson solidly establishes the difficulty of demonstrating perfect faith. Peter having walked and talked with Jesus, witnessing His awesome power day after day, still could not let go of his fear, rely totally on the knowledge that Jesus had, by saying "come" assured him that he would be ok, and walk on.

The faith that is required to save the eternal soul is the same faith that was required of Peter to walk on the water. He had to give up reliance on his own ability, which was destined to, and did fail He should have, if he had sufficient faith, put the entire responsibility on Jesus.

Sadly and in my opinion, a vast majority of today's, "Christians", run out onto the waters of life and/or eternity, with more faith in their own abilities, or some ritual action they have subjected themselves to, than in God through Jesus Christ. Like Peter, these "Christians" will inevitably sink.

The gospel clearly tells us that through faith in God through Jesus Christ, all things are possible, Matthew 19:24-26, "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.".

In order to accomplish the things we desire to do with absolute assurance that they will be done, we must have and exercise an absolute faith in God's ability and willingness to grant that they be done.
Peter demonstrated his lack of faith by becoming afraid, considering the possibility that he might sink. Had he indeed had sufficient faith, fear would never have entered his mind, he would have simply walked on to Jesus.

The faith that is required to save the eternal souls of the lost, and/or to allow one to literally walk on water, must be absolute. Jesus stands on the water with His hand extended toward all who will abandon their fears and walk with Him to eternal life.~