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Doubts and Questions, October 11
Matthew 14:22-33
Straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be
not afraid.
Matthew 14:27
.
They [the disciples] “entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward
Capernaum.” They had left Jesus with dissatisfied hearts.... They murmured
because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him king. They blamed
themselves for yielding so readily to His command....
Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor
had blinded them.... Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did
not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and
make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a
violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves
great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the
Pharisees asserted?
The disciples had that day witnessed the wonderful works of Christ. It had
seemed that heaven had come down to the earth. The memory of that precious,
glorious day should have filled them with faith and hope. Had they, out of the
abundance of their hearts, been conversing together in regard to these things,
they would not have entered into temptation.... Their thoughts were stormy and
unreasonable, and the Lord gave them something else to afflict their souls and
occupy their minds. God often does this when men create burdens and troubles
for themselves....
A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were unprepared
for it.... They forgot their disaffection, their unbelief, their impatience. Everyone
worked to keep the boat from sinking.... Until the fourth watch of the night they
toiled at the oars. Then the weary men gave themselves up for lost. In storm and
darkness the sea had taught them their own helplessness, and they longed for the
presence of their Master.
Jesus had not forgotten them.... At the moment when they believe themselves
lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the
waters.... Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, “Be of good
cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
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Ibid., 380, 381
.
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