You Talking to Me? – Part 24

You talking to me?” can cause excited anticipation.

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Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Take a few moments to read Matthew 14:22-33.  In this accounting, Jesus had just fed a great multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish.  At that point, He sent His disciples away to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He went to a secluded place to pray.  As He was alone and praying, coming to about 3 AM, in the Spirit He saw His disciples struggling against a storm with high winds and powerful waves in the midst of the sea.  It was at that time that Jesus went to them walking on the water. 

I encourage you to also read this account in Mark 6 and John 6.  When the entire picture is made clear, this was an astounding series of events.  One of the powerful moments came when we read that if the disciples had not cried out when they saw Jesus, thinking Him to be a spirit, He would have passed by them.  Is it possible that this could happen today?  My friend, when you’re in trouble, call out, for though you may not see Him, or even recognize Him when you do, He is there for you.

But when Jesus told them to not fear, Peter asked Jesus to call him to come walking on the water.  And Jesus did just that.  Now imagine this.  Peter knew Jesus was Messiah.  He knew Jesus walked in the full and present power of God.  He knew Jesus could perform supernatural works.  He had seen enough of that to fully convince him.  When Jesus called him forth from the ship, Peter’s anticipation was already high.  He was watching as someone who identified Himself as Jesus was walking on the water in the midst of a raging storm.  While Jesus was still too far away to recognize by sight, still Peter carried a great anticipation. 

Jesus answered Peter’s request with only one word, “Come.”  With that, Peter knew that Jesus was talking to Him.  His was not a question in his mind of “You talking to me?”, but rather a statement of command that carried God-power.  In Peter’s mind, it was “You talking to me!”  Had he made an audible utterance, it would have been one of excitement and great anticipation.  That is why he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  Yes, his gaze strayed, and he began to sink.  But when he cried out, Jesus acted again and did not pass him by.  He saved him, and then walked back to the ship, Peter walking by His side.  Let me encourage you today.  Regardless of the storm you face, or the battle that engages you, know that Jesus is near.  Whether you recognize Him or not, He is near.  Call on Him.  He will identify Himself.  And when He calls on you to move, to serve, to get out of the ship, to “Come,” let there be no question of “You talking to me?”, but rather a joyous shout, “You talking to me!”

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4

You Talking to Me? – Part 25

Trust and obedience allows “You talking to me?” moments.

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You Talking to Me? – Part 25

Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, & 28 – And God said . . .

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Again today, take a few moments and read John 2:1-12.  I’m sure you know the story.  Jesus is attending a wedding in Cana.  It appears that His mother, Mary, has some level of authority at the event (perhaps she could have been the wedding planner).  Nevertheless, when they ran short of wine, Mary knew something no one else knew.  Her son, the Son of God that is, present as a guest.  She told Jesus of the shortage.  His response was simple.  It wasn’t His hour.  This wasn’t His wedding.  It wasn’t His time.  And yet, despite all that, when faith was released, Jesus acted.  That should speak volumes to every believer.

Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said.  Jesus commanded water pots to be filled with water and that water from the pots be carried to the governor of the feast.  Upon its arrival to the governor, the water had become wine, and not just any wine, but the best wine yet to be served.  While the servants were only obeying orders, can you hear the thoughts running through their minds?  “You’re telling me to carry water to the governor of the feast?”  Or in other words, “You talking to me?” 

There are many lessons to be taken from this, the first miracle of Jesus, but I want you to focus with me on two.  First is the matter of what many call “God’s timing.”  I’m not sure it’s what many think it is.  It’s not the church, or any member of it, who is waiting on God.  It is God Who is waiting on us.  In this instance, we see Jesus, Who knew what He had come to do, though not yet at that point in the process, moved at the request of another when faith was released.  So often, we think it is the timing of God that brings healing or deliverance or provision.  I frequently hear people say God will do such-and-such a thing in His time.  It’s not a matter of time.  It is a matter of aggressive faith, the violent taking it by force.

Secondly, take not of the response of the servants.  They had no clue what was about to happen.  You don’t need a clue either.  Their responsibility was to obey; to trust and obey.  They trusted Mary, and they obeyed Jesus.  They did not know what was about to happen, how it would happen, or why it would happen.  They simply trusted and obeyed.  You and I don’t always need to know what is about to happen, how it will happen, or why it will happen.  But if we will simply “trust and obey,” our God will demonstrate His power for His glory, for the edifying of the body of Christ, and for the blessing of all who will receive.

Manna for Today – Genesis 1; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 4:20-23; Mark 11:22-26; Romans 3:4