Scripture: John 6:16-21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
Consider:
I signed up for one of those couch to 5k programs a few years ago. I was very excited about the possibilities of starting a running discipline because everyone I have ever known who actually runs on a regular basis talks about how much they enjoy running. I strapped my shoes on the first day, ready to go on my first run ever - outside of soccer training.
When I got home, my husband was very confused about why I was so out of breath and sweaty so I explained - through huffs and puffs - I was training for a 5k. He said, “You realize that is 3 miles, right?”
That was my last day of running. 3 miles sounded a lot farther than 5k.
So much of our fear, worries, and overwhelm is a result of our perspective. Some people have a chemical condition which causes anxiety, but for others it’s just a low-level hum created by our perspective and experiences of the world.
If Jesus had walked out on the water in the middle of a bright sunny day 6 inches from the shore, my guess is the disciples would have yawned and continued moving about their day. It also would have been pretty easy for the men on the boat to dismiss this miracle as simply stepping on stones or skipping along the top of the water, optical illusion of the light.
Instead, the disciples saw Jesus coming in the middle of the night, on top of a stormy, violent sea, three miles from shore. This perspective completely changed how they understood Jesus’ actions. There was no denying this miraculous act - though Peter tried pretty hard - because there was only one explanation. It had to be a miracle.
Respond:
Today, I invite you to consider the window through which you see the world. Maybe, if you feel comfortable, draw a picture and label it. What kind of decals are obscuring your view? Is there any stained glass, either pretty and purposeful or through years of use? What about broken bits? How does your window through which you see the world alter your perspective?
Pray:
God, help me recognize where on the sea I find myself floating today. My window through which I see the world is not clean or free from imperfections, so I ask you to help me recognize the places where I can patch them up and those parts of my worldview which are unchangeable. Give me the grace to know the difference. Amen.
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