Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (1)

‘The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves…’ Matthew 14:24 NKJV

Jesus had accompanied His disciples in a previous storm and calmed it. But now He was up on a mountain praying, and they were alone, ‘tossed by the waves’. Why? Because sometimes the teacher has to step back in order to see how much the pupil has learned. Is that what’s happening in your life at the moment? The Sea of Galilee is only about 21 km long and 12 km wide. But when the wind sweeps down from the Golan Heights it can churn those waters into a blender for two or three days, and it could sink a fishing boat like the one the disciples were in. Note the words, ‘tossed by the waves’. Is that where you are today? In the middle of a divorce, tossed by guilt? In the middle of a home foreclosure, harangued by creditors? In the middle of an illness, tossed by pain, and an even more painful prognosis? ‘Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him…they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”’ (Matthew 14:25–27 NKJV) Here are words worth writing down and recalling often: ‘…Take courage. I am here!’ (Matthew 14:27 NLT) You will never go where Jesus cannot reach you. Look over your shoulder; that’s Him following you. Look into the storm; that’s Him coming toward you. Today, open your eyes and recognise Him.