For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 14
Why do you think Peter wanted to walk on the water? What caused him to sink? What was his immediate response? I wonder what really prompted Peter’s request. It sounds like he wanted proof that it really was Jesus coming towards them. But as opposed to what? A ghost? A figment of their imagination? Or maybe he wasn’t looking for proof that it was Jesus, but more that what they were seeing was real. It was a bold request, either way.
Funny thing, though – Jesus didn’t commend Peter for the request or the steps he took. Instead, when Peter started to sink Jesus said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31b). What I want to know is what did he doubt? I don’t think he doubted who the man standing on the water was or that He was real because Peter immediately called out to Jesus to save him. As I mentioned, his request was bold. I see in it a complete confidence that if Jesus commanded him to do something, he could do it. So I think maybe that’s what Peter doubted once he was out there on the water. He saw the waves and became afraid that what he was doing was too hard, even though he was already doing it and nothing had changed.
I think there is a lot that I can learn from Peter in this incident. But this is what stands out to me this morning. I pray for the courage to believe without doubt that Jesus will enable me to do whatever He calls me to, no matter how far beyond my reach or scary it seems. And I want to fully trust that there is nothing – absolutely nothing – that can keep me from coming to Him. Furthermore, I want to know that I am free to live life boldly because there is no failure from which Jesus isn’t ready, willing, and able to save me.
Is. 61-62
Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 as His mission statement (see Luke 4:16-21). What does this chapter predict the Messiah will do? It is interesting that, when reading this passage, Jesus stopped mid-sentence. The first statement of Isaiah 61:2 is, “to proclaim the year of the LORD”s favor”. That’s where He stopped. The next part of this verse says, “and the day of vengeance of our God”. That’s the part that everyone was looking for. They didn’t understand that God’s mercy had to come first.
Even John the Baptist fell prey to this expectation. He thought that Jesus was supposed to be the promised Messiah, but his expectations were not being met. When he sent his followers to ask Jesus about this, Jesus’ response echoed the first part of Isaiah 61 that He read in the synagogue at Nazareth in Luke 4:16-21. He said, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Luke 7:22b-23).
Jesus made it clear that He was on earth at that time, “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor”. But if He is the promise that brought God’s mercy to us, then He is also the promise that will later bring God’s vengeance. The beautiful news of the rest of this portion of Isaiah is that when that time comes we, as His people, will be covered by His mercy. Thus, God’s vengeance will be for us rather than against us.
Prov. 23
Which of these wise sayings did you need to hear today? Why? “Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. ‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” (Prov. 23:6-8).
As I read this, the thought that comes to me is that I don’t want to be that kind of person. I want to be genuine in my generosity; sincere in my giving. God did not consider the cost in His great sacrifice for me, and He continues to give to me freely and abundantly. I can never repay God for what He has done and continues to do for me. The beauty is that He doesn’t ask that of me. All He wants is for me to pay a portion of it forward; to give as He has given to me and bless and He has blessed.