Walking on the Water
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powerless by their sides. The boat rocked at the will of the waves,
while their eyes were riveted upon this vision of a man stepping firmly
upon the white-capped billows.
They thought it must be a spirit, which omened their immediate
destruction. Jesus calmly advanced as though he would pass them,
but they recognize his form, and feel that he will not leave them in
their distress. They cry out, supplicating his help! The figure turns!
It is their beloved Master, whose well-known voice speaks, silencing
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their fear, “Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid.” Were ever words
so welcome, so reassuring as these! The disciples are speechless with
joy. Their apprehensions are gone. The storm is forgotten. They hail
Jesus as their Deliverer!
Ardent Peter is nearly beside himself with delight. He sees his
Master boldly treading the foam-wreathed waves, coming to save his
followers, and he loves his Lord as never before. He yearns to embrace
and worship him. He longs to meet him and walk by his side upon the
stormy water. He cries, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on
the water.” Jesus granted his request; but Peter had taken only a step
upon the surface of the boiling deep, when he looked back proudly
toward his companions to see if they were watching his movements,
and admiring the ease with which he trod upon the yielding water.
In taking his eyes from Jesus, they fell upon the boisterous waves
that seemed greedily threatening to swallow him; their roaring filled
his ears, his head swam, his heart failed him with fear. As he is sinking,
he recovers presence of mind sufficient to remember that there is One
near who can rescue him. He stretches out his arms toward Jesus,
crying, “Lord, save me, or I perish!” The pitying Saviour grasps the
trembling hands that are reached toward him, and lifts the sinking form
beside his own. Never does that kindly face and that arm of strength
turn from the supplicating hands that are stretched out for mercy. Peter
clings to his Lord with humble trust, while Jesus mildly reproaches
him: “O thou of little faith! wherefore didst thou doubt?”
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The trembling disciple now clings firmly to the hand of the Master
till they are both safely seated in the boat among their joyful compan-
ions. But Peter was subdued and silent; he had no reason to boast
over his fellows, for he had very nearly lost his life through exaltation
and unbelief. When he took his eyes from Jesus in order to note the
admiration of others, he lost guidance, and doubt and fear seized upon