Jesus in the Boat
Text: John 6:16-21
Theme: The best we can do is invite Jesus into our boat.
Key verses: “That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!” (v. 16-21).
What I believe God said to me: Several important facets of this story that you need not miss today, Dwayne. First, ask yourself: Why did they get in the boat to start with? Should they have waited on Jesus at the shore? The answer is yes, they should have waited for him. However, you can say that because you know the rest of the story. You know what happens to them out on that water. They didn’t see what lay ahead for them. They were mostly fishermen and people acquainted with travel on water. They’d probably crossed that lake many times before. So, from their perspective, they saw no need to wait on Jesus. Dwayne, that is what spiritual immaturity looks like. Notice Jesus didn’t scold them for not waiting on him. They weren’t being disobedient or rebellious by forging ahead without Jesus. They just weren’t being wise. Next, notice they weren’t making much progress in the storm. You’ve experienced how moments of fear can feel like an eternity. That’s how they no doubt felt as that storm beat down on them. They couldn’t get out of that dangerous place quick enough. Yet, no matter how hard they rowed, they will still bogged down in the reality of their struggle and fear. Enter Jesus! Jesus found them in their storm and pitiful struggle. He did the impossible to find and get to them. This story is often remembered by how Jesus walked on water. But the real take away here for you humans is not so much what Jesus did as why He did it. He walked on that water to get to His disciples, those he loved so dearly. Jesus will always go out of his way–even leave the ninety and nine–to find the one who’s gone astray and “lost at sea.” Now notice how the disciples had become “eager” to invite Jesus into their boat. It’s the same with many of my followers. They’re suddenly thrilled to have Jesus accompanying them and sitting beside them when they get into desperate situations and see no way out. When Jesus got on board with them, don’t miss how everything changed. They went from wondering and struggling uselessly to “immediately” arriving at their destination. That’s the difference Jesus can make when you invite him into your boat! But in closing, a word to the wise: Don’t even leave the banks until you know Jesus is riding with you. Don’t wait until a storm brews before calling on his mighty name and seeking his wonderful presence.
What I said to God: Thank you for showing me these powerful truths today. Wow. Forgive me for any day or any time I launch out without first waiting on Jesus to join my expedition. More importantly, help me always turn over the ores to Him to guide me on my way. As the old song says, “Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry Jesus with us when we go.”