“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.” — Matthew 8:23
In Matthew 8:23-27, we read of the account of Jesus sleeping in the boat while His disciples are afraid of the storm. The disciples’ anxiety and fear is evident as they exclaim: “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown” (Matthew 8:25). Jesus, however, was at peace. He was asleep.
We understand that Jesus called His disciples to get into the boat. Verse 23 tells us that they followed Him. The disciples got into the boat, but Jesus wants more from us than just getting into the boat. Sure, getting into the boat is the first step. It is believing. It is obeying. It is trusting and saying “yes” to God.
But Christ wants a deeper and more intimate relationship with us. We must realize that the boat anchored to the shore and the dock will eventually head out to sea.
Yes, we believe in God. We believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We place our faith in Christ. We call on His name and become children of God. We have access to our Heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have forgiveness and a right relationship with Christ. We are guaranteed a home in Heaven to live with Him for eternity. Congratulations for getting in the boat.
What’s the next step? Is Jesus Christ just our Savior or is He Lord of our lives? Are we just believers or are we actually followers? Are we committed and ready to head out from the comfortable harbor, the security of the dock to face the sea, the “ocean” of our lives? Are we ready to face the storm? The lightning, the thunder, the waves. That’s what this life could bring: the death of a child, the loss of a job, divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, etc. These are the storms we will face.
I choose “yes.” Let’s all choose “yes” to getting into the boat, but let’s also choose “yes” to the life God has created for us to live — to praise Him in the storm. Let me be careful, let’s all be careful, not to just be content. Christ wants more than just devotion to Him. He tells us in James to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. We need motion to our devotion. Be a Christian who acts. Love, serve, forgive, witness. Be a doer of God’s Word.
Pastor Andy Stanley states, “Christians can be so intent on making a point rather than making a difference.” Let’s be different. Let’s be salt and light. Make an impact. Serve. Love. Shine. It’s way more than just getting into the boat.
— Jim Good
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