God of the Whirlwind

Recently, I was trying to imagine what it would be like if I were in the boat with the rest of Jesus’s disciples when he walked on water.

In the story, you do get several words that suggest it was quite a frightening experience. For one it says the disciples were “afraid,” and for another, it says the disciples thought they “saw a ghost.” It seems they were so scared they were crying out. They were screaming.

This story is a curious one because, to be frank, it seems like Jesus is showing off. With Jesus’s other miracles there appears to be a better reason. Most miracles are usually about helping people like healing the sick or feeding of the 5000.

When Jesus walks on water, it seems like a fancy way to get from Point A to Point B. Is it just that the son of God is trying to impress his friends?

Maybe that is not how you feel about it. But I was trying to imagine how the disciples felt after Jesus climbed into the boat and said that their feelings of terror were a result of “little faith.” When I try to imagine the disciples’ feelings, I recall the most terrifying moment of my life. It happened just last fall traveling home from a wedding in North Carolina mountains.

William had finally agreed to let me drive on our five-hour road trip home. As he was dozing in the passenger seat, suddenly, out of nowhere an old black Jeep launched itself into oncoming traffic just a few cars ahead on the interstate.

I watched the jeep slam into the vehicles ahead of me, and I began to pump my brakes and lay on my horn. I didn’t want anybody to hit me from behind as I started to dodge shredded pieces of car and chunks of bumpers.

By the grace of God, no one was hurt. We found out after that the woman driving the Jeep was high and drove onto the interstate the wrong way from the offramp totaling several cars.

That moment was laced with adrenaline and high with emotion. The moment after was defined by a massive emotional crash which had me on edge for the rest of the day. When I read that the disciples were so terrified they were crying out, I don’t think we should not take those words lightly.

When Jesus walks on water towards his disciples across the sea of Galilee, it is a moment of terrifying power, and it is remarkable that amid the fear, the waves, and the night, Peter should even fathom to say the words ‘if it is you Lord call me out upon the waters.’

What sort of faith is this? And what kind of confidence does Jesus require of us that he calls even Peter’s actions “little”?

Finally, what kind of God is this? This Jesus of power and glory who walks on water?

Honestly, I don’t know for sure, but I do wonder if what Jesus meant by the term “little.” For example, did he mean little as in small and in impressive or did he mean little as in childlike and endearing.

The Biblical text is again void of details, but for the first time I think Jesus was actually being loving in thing moment.

As we enjoy the peace and blessings of discipleship, we should never forget the glory and power of our God. This God who walks on water, who can conjuring up real fear and trembling, will also extend a hand to us and invite us on the water too.

Finally, we may also need go be reminded that our faith, however gallant, will always pale in comparison to the grace offered to us in Jesus Christ.