Overboard for Jesus

“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. . . Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.”(‭‭Psalm‬ ‭69:13-15‬)

Spring is in the air and most folks are getting ready to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities after the long winter.  Water sports are a favorite pastime here in Idaho, where we have plenty of naturally occurring and man-made water venues to enjoy in various ways from fishing to swimming to boating.

My good friends were given a power boat this last winter and they are getting it ready to go onto the water with the family.  They are anticipating the joy of teaching the children about water safety and the many blessings that water brings into our lives as they recreate upon the water.  They will make sure to have all the appropriate safety gear, including flotation devices, necessary for everyone to have a safe boating experience.  Going overboard is only good if you do it intentionally, such as to water ski, knee board or swim.  An unplanned overboard experience can be dangerous and traumatizing, however, with proper planning and the right safety gear, it can be an exhilarating and refreshing experience.

Peter, Jesus’ close companion and one of his apostles, had an intentional overboard experience one dark and stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had remained behind after feeding 5000 men with five loaves and two fish.  He sent his apostles ahead of himself to cross the sea in their boat. It was nighttime and they were fighting against the stormy waves as a typical wind storm had swept down upon them from the surrounding hills.

Jesus saw their struggles and came to them, walking upon the water.  The apostles saw him and thought he was a ghost, but he called out to them and they recognized Jesus.  Then Peter did an amazing thing, he asked permission to go overboard and walk with Jesus on the water!

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:27-33‬) ‭

Peter lost his focus for a brief moment, but immediately, he knew who to reach for to keep him afloat.  We can see he was committed and was willing to risk everything to follow Jesus.  And Jesus demonstrates his ability to keep us afloat when we go overboard to follow him where he leads.  This account of Jesus and Peter gives us confidence to go overboard in mind, body, strength and spirit as servants of Jesus, knowing he can save us through the water, in the water and on the waters of life’s storms.

Our prayer is that you have made Jesus the master of your ship, and if not we invite you to come and see for yourself this Jesus, the only eternal life preserver you need.

Oceans*

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep, My faith will stand. 

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine. 

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand will be my guide. 

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me,

You’ve never failed and You won’t start now. 

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me. 

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior. 

And I will call upon Your Name

Keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine. 

*Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Joel Houston / Matt Crocker / Salomon Lighthelm