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The Desire of Ages
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. But their disappointment had absorbed their thoughts. The
words of Christ, “Gather up the fragments, ... that nothing be lost,”
were unheeded. Those were hours of large blessing to the disciples,
but they had forgotten it all. They were in the midst of troubled waters.
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.
The disciples had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast
approaching.
A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were
unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, for the day had been
perfect; and when the gale struck them, they were afraid. They forgot
their disaffection, their unbelief, their impatience. Everyone worked
to keep the boat from sinking. It was but a short distance by sea
from Bethsaida to the point where they expected to meet Jesus, and in
ordinary weather the journey required but a few hours; but now they
were driven farther and farther from the point they sought. Until the
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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. The Watcher on the shore saw those
fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He
lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed
the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were
to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her
child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their
hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility
they prayed for help, it was given them.
At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light
reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But
they know not that it is Jesus. The One who has come for their help
they count as an enemy. Terror overpowers them. The hands that have
grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat
rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a
man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea.