S121P12 – The Savior’s many faces: the soothing comforter
Jn. 6:16-21
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
He was one of those kids who was afraid of the dark well beyond the age when he should have known better. This made some things in life more difficult than they should be. Each Tuesday night, he had to drag the trash cans from the back of the house to the front curb. He always waited until the last minute to do this, and it was always dark. On one evening, the only working light on the property was by the garage out back. He dragged those cans very quickly to that dark curb and turned to race to the back door. As he made his way up the driveway, a dark figure appeared between him and the light. Seeing only a black silhouette, he froze until the voice of his father emerged from that figure, allowing his heart to take another beat.
This scene builds with layer upon layer of things that would make us anxious and fearful. The disciples were out on the sea at night, and the weather began to get rough. Between the wind and the waves, they were trying their hardest to get to shore. On top of that, their Lord was not there with them. As bad as all this was, they then saw a ghostly figure appear before them walking on the water. Anyone would have frozen with fright and confusion. Then, Jesus announced that it was him, and they let him in the boat. Just like that, He drove all those fearful things away. Suddenly, they had reached the safe shore with the Lord in tow. His presence was comforting in an instant and rendered all those frightening circumstances powerless.
We all will encounter similar frightening circumstances in our lives. They might not involve mighty winds and high waves, but they will try to scare us just the same. During those times, we must be willing to ask the Lord onboard to help us. Our circumstances might not end in an instant, but the fear and anxiety should go away once his presence is on the scene. He brings his own atmosphere of comfort with him, and that controls. We need only ask him to join us where we are. He wants to brings us calm amidst the waves and the wind, but we have to invite his presence. Father, we praise You for the comfort your Son brings those who seek him in the midst of the storm.