Peter heard Christ’s proclamation that He is the Lord Himself. He understood its meaning, and believed it. However, he doubted his experience and senses, demanding proof that he might be assured of the divinity of Christ who was walking on the sea. So he asked his Lord that He might command him to walk to Him on the water. Christ said to him one word only, “Come.” This word is a call that belongs to me and to you. Come to the fellowship of Christ. Do not choose for yourself another goal, and you will become stronger than all the elements of this world.
Peter dared, in spite of his weakness and doubts. He stepped over the edge of the boat onto the rough sea, and stared in astonishment at Christ, as the water under his feet turned into solid ground for him to walk on. His faith was made firm by the power of the Almighty Creator.
While still walking on the sea, the experienced fisherman suddenly remembered that he was surrounded by dangers, being familiar with the depths of the sea. He thought no more of Christ, but looked attentively at the danger he was to face. He did not look at his goal that was Christ, but at the waves that were rushing upon him and he began to sink.
Dear friend, everything that turns you away from Christ and worries you will gain power over you and corrupt you. Believe in Christ alone, and consider all men and authorities, in comparison with Him, as nothing. Look at Him, and never turn your eyes away from Him.
When Peter began to sink, he cried out with fear, “Lord, save me!” He looked again at his goal and saw nothing but Christ alone walking on the water. Jesus stretched out His hand, caught him and saved him. Christ did not leave the fearful, or rejected him who had failed in faith, but caught him, saved him before sinking, and made the water under his feet hard again to carry him that believed in Jesus. Christ saved him at that moment without hesitation.
After Peter had entered the boat again, Christ rebuked him for his doubts, for he had trusted his experiences as a fisherman rather than his Lord. Jesus seeks our full submission. It is by full faith that His power triumphs in us. Will you commit yourself to the Son of God, believing that He is the true Lord?
The other eleven disciples opened their ears and mouths with horror when they saw and heard this event. When Jesus got into their boat, the storm suddenly stopped, and they were surrounded by a great silence as if they had entered into heaven. They got up in their boat, bowed low, worshiped Him who had triumphed over the storms, and confessed trembling, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” It was the first day that such words were said by them, after they had witnessed the miracle of bread, heard Jesus words, “It is I,” and had seen Him walking on the water. They were illuminated having recognized God’s appearance among them through His Son.
Through the strength of Christ we are lifted up above the world, enabled to overcome it, raised from sinking into it, and empowered from being overwhelmed by it. Others, like Paul, followed the example of Peter in his walk of faith – in a sense walking on the water with Jesus and becoming more than a conqueror through Him. Treading upon all the threatening waves, as not able to separated him from the love of Christ (Romans 8:25). Thus the sea of the world has become like a sea of glass, hardened so as to bear weight, and those who have gotten the victory stand upon it and sing (Revelation 15:2-3).