Promises, Promises

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:25-29)

The disciples had had a big, day. Over 5000 hungry followers of Jesus had been fed-- from five loaves and a couple of fishes. Jesus had left the disciples, had gone off to pray, and had sent them off in a boat to regroup. 

And now-- a storm. Not just a storm, but a STORM. It was dark, the sea was whipping and pitching, and now-- there's someone-- something coming towards them, walking on the water.

Walking on the water? A ghost, maybe? No-- the figure has identified itself. It is the Lord!

Good old Peter has to be sure. 

Good old Peter says what everyone else was thinking: Prove it.

(Anyone else ever need "proof"? Proof that God is at work? Or is this just me??)

And Jesus answers with a single word. Come! 

Jesus doesn't chide Peter for his questioning; he simply invites him to walk where he walks. 

Come.

Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

           

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

           

Come, see the empty tomb. See the holes in my hands, put your hand right here, touch the place where the sword pierced my side.

             

Come, and believe, and be with me this day in paradise. 

So many promises of God, wrapped up in a single word. Come.

Just as Jesus extended a hand to Peter during life's strong storms, so, too, does he reach out to each one of us and invite us closer: closer to his walk, closer to his heart-- and not just on sunny, pain-free days.

No, the promises of Christ, given for each one of us, never falter, never fade.  Even when the night is so dark and life is so challenging,. Look for that hand, scarred from the nails of hate, healed by the touch of love. 

Look for it, trust whose it is-- and hang on for dear life. This promise never fails.