Rowing in the dark
How do we know God? It is not because we found out. God is so different from man that had to show himself to us. He did this by mighty actions. The self-revelation of God to humanity happens through his speaking to, and acting on behalf of, people
In the same way, when Jesus, who is God-with-us showed himself to humanity he revealed himself by his mighty actions. Often the actions were followed by teaching. Sometimes the action alone was the teaching.
What happened on the dark and windy night when the disciples of Jesus were trying to sail across the sea of Tiberius is both a revelation through mighty actions and a teaching. That night, the wind carried the sail boat further away from their destination; the disciples lowered the sail and began to row, but the waves were rough. Rowing was toiling; after four or five miles, they dimly saw a person walking on the water, coming towards them. . They were terrified. The person called out to them, “It is me, do not fear” they knew the voice and although still overcome with fright, they allowed Jesus to get into the boat with them. Immediately the boat reached the shore.
The fisherman understood, and interpreted the action. They later taught the rest of us that whenever darkness and difficulties surround a person, Jesus is near. Although everything in life looks fearful, the one thing we do not need to fear is Jesus. He is for us. They remembered that when he entered the boat with them, the boat came safely to the shore.
How do people of this generation know God? Through his self revelation as God-with-us, and through his actions. Because the disciples ultimately wrote down their memories of the mighty acts of Jesus we learnt to believe but it is through our own experiences of Jesus with us in our every day lives at this present time that our faith is strengthened. We remember that when we let Jesus into our lives everything changed. It remains changed and changing until the day when we join him in the place that he is preparing for those who believe in him.
Gospel of John, chapter 6 verses 16 – 21
Isaiah chapter 43 verse 2
In the same way, when Jesus, who is God-with-us showed himself to humanity he revealed himself by his mighty actions. Often the actions were followed by teaching. Sometimes the action alone was the teaching.
What happened on the dark and windy night when the disciples of Jesus were trying to sail across the sea of Tiberius is both a revelation through mighty actions and a teaching. That night, the wind carried the sail boat further away from their destination; the disciples lowered the sail and began to row, but the waves were rough. Rowing was toiling; after four or five miles, they dimly saw a person walking on the water, coming towards them. . They were terrified. The person called out to them, “It is me, do not fear” they knew the voice and although still overcome with fright, they allowed Jesus to get into the boat with them. Immediately the boat reached the shore.
The fisherman understood, and interpreted the action. They later taught the rest of us that whenever darkness and difficulties surround a person, Jesus is near. Although everything in life looks fearful, the one thing we do not need to fear is Jesus. He is for us. They remembered that when he entered the boat with them, the boat came safely to the shore.
How do people of this generation know God? Through his self revelation as God-with-us, and through his actions. Because the disciples ultimately wrote down their memories of the mighty acts of Jesus we learnt to believe but it is through our own experiences of Jesus with us in our every day lives at this present time that our faith is strengthened. We remember that when we let Jesus into our lives everything changed. It remains changed and changing until the day when we join him in the place that he is preparing for those who believe in him.
Gospel of John, chapter 6 verses 16 – 21
Isaiah chapter 43 verse 2
posted by Jessie Coates at 6:36 AM
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