Based on Matthew 14:22 – 36
Which took more courage? To leave his home and livelihood to follow Jesus or to step out of a boat onto a deep, rough sea to get to Jesus? This is what Peter did. I’m not sure I’d have had the courage to do either.
Of course Peter had asked about coming to Jesus before he was invited to come. He and the others were fishing, saw Jesus coming and immediately thought it was a spirit. When Jesus tells them not to be afraid, Peter wants more. “If it’s really you, call me to come to you,” he calls and then Jesus says “Come.”
It starts off so well, Peter sets out looking at Jesus. Was he perhaps feeling a bit pleased with himself as well? Might there just have a been a touch of showing off? Put yourself in his shoes and think about this for yourself.
Of course, once Peter is distracted by the waves, he takes his eyes from Jesus and starts to fall, crying out to Jesus to save him . Which he does. Do you think Jesus allowed himself a gentle chuckle at this point – I think he might. Good old Peter. He means so well but always has to go that little bit over the top in his enthusiasm.
And that’s where we have something to learn from this story. Jesus doesn’t put Peter off or tell him he’s too young, or he’s not ready and experienced enough to try that. Neither does he tell Peter he’s too old! He lets Peter try and stands by to help when he’s needed, pointing out why things didn’t work out. But he helps Peter back into the boat again; he doesn’t send him away and say he’s useless. Peter needs more faith in Jesus, but Jesus knows that faith will grow as Peter stays with him
How good are we at letting people in our churches have a go at something – rejoicing with them when it goes right, but nurturing them and mentoring them to keep on trying and get things right when they try again? It’s risky to let someone try something we’ve not necessarily planned for or expected – and we need to be prayerful about the situation. But how many people have been discouraged over the generations by being told “we don’t do that here.” or “When you’re a bit older.” or some such comment?
As we start to pray about opening our churches up again, let’s resolve to make them places of encouragement for all where everyone feels free to bring new ideas and ventures to the table; to consolidate the best of the past with the enthusiasm of the new.
Prayer
Father God. Give us the wisdom and discernment to know when to take chances. Give us patience with those whose first attempts fail and show us how to support and encourage them for the future. Make our churches places of love and nurturing, enthusiasm and hope.
In Jesus’ name Amen