But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
John 6:20
The Adventure Continues
Jesus had been teaching His disciples for hours, surrounded by a large crowd of people from the neighboring villages. It was late, and these tired and hungry people became restless. Jesus had instructed the disciples to bring a small boy’s lunch to Him, and He fed the multitude with only those five small barley loaves and two fish.
But that wasn’t the end of their day’s adventure… And just as we need to hear the same words, His disciples heeded this reminder from the Lord Jesus: “This is your Captain speaking.”
Danger, Death, and Doom
After the meal, Jesus told the disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea toward Capernaum. He went to a secluded area up higher on the mountain to pray. A strong wind arose when the men were about halfway across the sea. The high waves tossed the small boat uncontrollably.
In an Instant
These experienced fishermen knew the danger of capsizing all too well. Imminent death and doom were in their midst, unless their help would arrive soon.
A figure walking on the water approached their boat. It was Jesus! He proclaimed to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” The instant He stepped into the boat, the sea calmed, and their boat was at the shore where they were headed. Their Captain had spoken, He was on board the boat, and all ended well.
The Words of Peace
In Charles Spurgeon’s last sermon, he urged those in the audience, “Enlist under the banner of Christ, because He is our Captain.” In the turmoil and desperate times in our lives, don’t be afraid. Listen for Him to speak and follow His commands. By engaging with Him in prayer and His word, we, too, can be reminded of these words of peace, if only we’d heed the call: “This is your Captain speaking.”
Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Our Captain is in control!
Now What?
Reflect for a moment on where you are in your current stage of life. Do you find yourself today in the midst of a storm? If not, how can you cling to Christ’s role as Captain in preparation for the next difficult circumstance you will face? Consider those around you who may be in need of the peace He provides, that you would be able to share His truth with them.
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