Night on the Lake
319
They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they
cry out for fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they
recognize Him, and cry out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master
turns, His voice silences their fear, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not
afraid.”
As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter was almost
beside himself with joy. As if he could scarcely yet believe, he cried
out, “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And
He said, Come.”
Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction
he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned
from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and
come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a
moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He
begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his
eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, “Lord,
save me.” Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, “O
thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Walking side by side, Peter’s hand in that of his Master, they
stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent.
He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and
self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his
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eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves.
When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look
upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour.
Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did
not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us
to follow Him, and then forsake us. “Fear not,” He says; “for I have
redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When
thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.”
Isaiah
43:1-3
.
Jesus read the character of His disciples. He knew how sorely their
faith was to be tried. In this incident on the sea He desired to reveal
to Peter his own weakness,—to show that his safety was in constant
dependence upon divine power. Amid the storms of temptation he