The story of a crisis

Matthew 14:22-33
When you hear the word crisis, what comes to mind? For many people the word Crises is synonymous with tragedy. It is most often spoken of life and death situations. However, crises are much more than that. They are far more common. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, a crisis is a decisive or crucial time, stage or event in ones life. From this definition, we can begin to see that many events in our life fall into this category; the change of a new job, relocating to a new city, a new school, etc. The question is how do we handle them? Generally, we choose to tackle it like any other job or chore. We try to reason it. We try to organize it. We attempt to conquer it with a logical process full of do's and don'ts. This is our nature, we are list makers. From shopping lists and to do lists, to New Years resolutions. If we can't fit it on our calendars, or tape it to the refrigerator door, its never getting done. Henry Kissinger echoed this thought when he said "There cannot be a crisis this week. My schedule is already full." Likewise, when crises come the first thing we do is break out the proverbial pad and pencil and begin concocting a list of things to do. "#1, call so and so. #2, get time off of work. #3, etc." Charles Henley wrote in his poem Invictus "I am the captain of my fate, the master of my soul. " That has become our anthem, our creed. We cry for help then slap the hand that provides it as if to say "This is my boat! I'll weather the storm. Me and me alone!" My point is this. Far too often Christ ends up at the bottom of our lists if He shows up at all. We have become a nation of self help people, and that has only created a holy nation of self help believers. The good news is we don't have to weather the storm alone. It is written in the Proverbs "Commit whatever you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3)." So what does God's word teach us about crises?

DON'T POINT THE FINGER AT YOURSELF

“And immediately He forced the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, until He sent away the multitude”.

It is important to note that Christ ‘forced’ His disciples into the boat. Christ felt it of great importance that the disciples not be present while He dispersed the crowd. Maybe, as Matthew 6:15 describes it to be, the Jews were intending to come take Jesus by force and make Him king. Christ may have felt that it would be easier to disperse the crowd if the disciples were not there. On the other hand, it may have been that Christ just wanted to be alone to pray, as was His custom (Matt. 14:22, 23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12). All we know is that He compelled the disciples to go, and they obediently did so. The first thing we need to realize about crises is that they are not all our fault. Sometimes we are exactly where the Lord wants us to be, and doing what the Lord wants us to be doing. Regardless, Crises will find their way into our lives. Still, even if we are at fault, Christ is always before the Father in our defense (1 John 2:1). He is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and our refuge.

“And having sent away the multitude He went up into the mountain privately to pray. Now after the evening came He was there alone”.

Many people paint the pictures, and write the stories, of Christ on the cross; because that is the ultimate price paid for our salvation. I want to paint the pictures, and write the stories of Christ on His knees because that is the life He lived. Christ is always where we need Him most, because He is always where He needs to be, before the Father on our behalf. It was that faithfulness and obedience to the Father that led Him to the cross. Unfortunately, for many people experiencing crises in their life, prayer becomes a last ditch effort. It's only after everything else has failed that we hear "Maybe it's time to start praying." Philippians 4:6 says "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God." This is the life Jesus lived. In everything He made His requests known to the Father, who sent Him. Pray continually is what Paul said (1 Thess. 5:17), pray continually is what Jesus did. For Jesus' place is with the father; His business was to do the Father's will (John 4:34; 5:19, 36; 6:38; 8:28, 42b; etc.). Jesus is always where we need Him most, because He is always where He needs to be, by the Fathers side. Psalm 117 reads "Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever." He is forever faithful. Therefore, never point the finger at yourself. Even if your not where you need to be you can rest assure that Christ is. Who better to rely on in a crisis than Jesus?

DON'T GET CAUGHT OFF GUARD

“Now the boat was already many furlongs from the land, being tormented by the waves, for the wind was contrary”.

It is important to note Matthew's diction. He uses the Greek word "basanizw" (bas-a-nitzo), which means to torment, or to toss around. It is the same word used in Matthew 8:29 when Jesus came upon two demon possessed men. At the sight of Jesus, they cried out “What do we have to do with You, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time”. In this account of the disciples on the stormy sea, most translations render this word “battered” or "buffeted", which in my opinion takes away from the force of the storm, and the severity of the situation. The Sea of Galilee is a very large body of water (about 13 miles long by 8 miles wide), and throughout its history was notorious for its unpredictable storms. Without warning, and on a clear day, the Sea can go from tranquil to tumultuous in a matter of minutes. It was common for great waves, large enough to engulf and sink fishing boats, to arise abruptly, and to end just as quick. The phenomenon of sudden and violent storms on the Sea of Galilee is not as mysterious today as it was 2000 years ago. Today we understand that these storms are caused by the converging of cool air descending from the high mountains which surround the sea, with the warm air found at the surface of the water. This friction of temperatures can create strong winds and fierce waves even on a clear day. For this reason, it was a very dangerous place to sail. You can see this fear and respect for the waters in many places through scriptures. Such as Psalm 93 which compares the strength of the Lord to that of the power of the sea. For the disciples it was not as simple as just being bounced around upon the waves, they were in a dangerous and life threatening situation. It was dark, cold, and they were far from shore, tired, and being tormented by the waves. Crises are very similar in that they are only predictable unto unpredictability. They can arise on a clear blue day with waves large enough to engulf and sink the mightiest of people. They do not just bounce us around; they torment us, they threaten us. They create friction and strongly counter our every day life.

“And the fourth watch of the night He came towards them walking upon the sea”.

While a crisis comes without warning, Christ comes without calling. This is comforting in that crises are only predictable unto unpredictability. Crises don't make appointments, and they don't check our calendars. They don't keep schedules or worry about time priorities. Christ, on the other hand, is never changing. He is always predictable in that He is always there when we need Him. This is perfectly demonstrated in this account, for the disciples never called Christ for help. Why? Because Christ was already on His way. He did not sit on the shore line waiting for the disciples to bow a knee before reacting to their needs, nor did Christ wait for an invitation. Why? Because God is always watchful (Psalm 121:1-8). Don't be caught off guard, His faithfulness is forever (Psalm 91:4b), even when we are not.

DON'T LOSE HEART

“And the disciples having seen Him walking on the water were terrified saying ‘It is a ghost’, and they cried out from fear”.

I have seen many artist renderings of this account, Peter walking on the water to Christ. Most of them show a somewhat stormy sea with a few dark clouds. Maybe some tall waves about to crash, but nothing that would illustrate the fear that must have been present for anyone sailing the sea of Galilee during a storm. This sea had a history; a history written with the lives of many who have sailed it during such conditions. At this time, the disciples must be thinking that they are about to add to that history. I can imagine the disciples moving around franticly aboard the vessel trying to battle the wind and waves. I can picture the waters crashing down upon them with enormous power, their vessel being tortured by the relentless wind. It was dark, cold, and they were far from shore. Quite possibly they shared the feelings of the Psalmist who wrote "Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end (Psalm 107:23-27)." It is at our weakest moments that a crisis has its strongest hold. When we feel the relentless power of the winds torturing our every effort to stay afloat, we stagger like drunken men. This is were the crisis finds its strength, at our wits' end. No wonder the disciples were terrified at the sight of Christ walking upon the tumultuous waters. The crisis was at it's zenith of power leaving the disciples little strength, if any at all. They were physically and emotionally beaten. The crisis had achieved it's goal, it most often does. It is quite effective in making even the mightiest of people buckle. Charles Spurgeon said regarding such times "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying ‘Be of good cheer, I am He, do not continue on fearing”.

Just as the crisis looks for every opportunity to oppress and weaken us, God looks for every opportunity to give us strength. David wrote "When I called, you answered me; you made me bold an stouthearted (Psalm 138:3)." The first thing to notice is that before anything else Christ commanded "Be of good cheer!" This must have been a curious statement in light of the present situation. What logical reason was there for Jesus to make such a request. What part of the storm or the wave battered vessel indicated that this was a time to focus on anything other than the crisis at hand. The answer can be seen in how Jesus approached them. He walked. It would be an injustice to merely focus on the fact that Jesus was upon the stormy sea, if you failed to point out that Jesus walked; only walked. We do not read that He ran or moved with haste. For there was no need. No need to panic over what could happen. Jesus had all the time in the world. For He knew exactly what would happen. He would command the wind and waves to cease, and they would obey. Jesus is never caught off guard, never confronted with the unexpected. He is always watchful, always ready, and always in control. This is why Jesus could say with authority "Be of good cheer! It is I." It is a good study to see how many times Christ used the phrase "Be of good cheer". It actually comes from a single Greek word "qarsew" (thar-se-o). There are four other notable times when this word is used in the New Testament. In Mark we read about the blind man who persistently cried out to Jesus for mercy. While others rebuked him and told him to be quiet Jesus had the disciples call for him. They said "Be of good cheer… He is calling you." Here in Matthew when Jesus heals the paralytic He said to him "Be of good cheer, son, your sins are forgiven." Also in Matthew when the woman who had been sick for 12 years touched Jesus' cloak He said to her "Be of good cheer, daughter… you faith has healed you." Lastly, in John's gospel, when Jesus was telling the disciples of the hard times to come, He comforted them by saying "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Sometimes when we are in the midst of a storm, we become like blind men wandering around aimlessly. We feel lost, frightened, and alone. However, God’s word cries out to us and says “Be of good cheer, I am calling for you” (Mark 10:49). And when we come before Him He says, “I AM; my son, do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27), your sins are forgiven (Matthew 9:2) and your faith has healed you (Matthew 9:22); and as for this storm, do not be afraid, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Crises bring about fear, but Christ brings courage. Christ reminds us that He is always near (Philippians 4:5b), and He will always answer us when we call (Psalm 91:14-15a). He is a refuge in the darkest moments of our trials; an ever present help when the mountains seem to quake at the storms surging (Psalm 46:1-3). Do not loose heart. The winds cannot move Him, and the power of the waves cannot crush Him. Instead, the waters can only support His feet as He 'walks' to our side.

DON'T JUST STAND THERE

“And Peter, having answered, said ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come towards you upon the water”.

I like to point out to people that Peter never waited for Jesus to get into the boat. Some argue it is because he was too anxious to escape the storm's power. However, I believe that Peter's desire to be by Jesus' side had less to do with the storms power, and more to do with his love for Jesus. Peter loved Jesus so much that he was willing to do anything to be with Him; even if that meant stepping out of the boat and facing the storm head on. There is no doubt from this passage that Peter knew that this was Jesus walking towards him on the water. Still you might ask why not wait till Jesus gets in the boat? Why put yourself in harms way? I believe its because at that moment Christ was standing in the calm of the storm. We do not read that the wind was contrary to Jesus, for the wind was subject to Him (Mark 4:35-41). The waves could not overcome Him, nor could the storm terrify Him. Thus, Jesus walked. His presence demanded the obedience of everything created, even the storm. I believe this is what Peter saw, and this is why he longed to be by His side. For Christ was not only in the calm of the storm, He was in control of it. Christ gives us the same assurance today. Jesus said "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)."

“And Jesus said Come. And having come down from the boat Peter walked upon the water and came towards Jesus”.

It doesn't get any easier than this. Christ only made three commands in this story. When he saw the disciples distressed at His approach, he commanded “Be of good cheer”, then “Do no be afraid.” Finally, at Peter's wish to be by His side, Jesus said “Come”. Jesus never turns down an invitation for our fellowship. He is always ready, and always waiting with open arms. This is forever His command, come. Come find shelter from your storm. Come find rest from your burdens. Come find the living water. Come to me all who are weary. This is the reason for the great commission, and the purpose of the church, that the world might come to Him and find their refuge from the storm. Why weather the winds alone? Why stand helpless under the merciless power of the waves, when you could just cry out to God and open your heart to His invitation. Elijah ran for 40 days and 40 nights just to be in the presence of the Lord (1 Kings 19). Peter climbed down from his boat and walked across stormy waters to be with Him. However, all we need to do is come in faith. Don't just stand there. Be of good cheer, do not be afraid, and come, to Jesus.

DON'T PANIC

“But seeing the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out saying; Lord, save me”.

The world has a way of preying on our weaknesses, and when it does the words “Keep your eyes on Christ” become easier said then done. Thus, it is when the storm winds blow and the waves are crashing down upon us, that we begin to doubt and find other places to focus. In doing so, all we find are more waves, more wind, and more insecurity. Then, as we begin to sink we cry out, as Peter did “Lord save me!” Don't wait till you only have one hand above water before you cry out to Jesus. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1-3)." Remember, it is always better to be in the storm with Christ, then out of the storm in search of Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight." The storm should never be the focal point, that was Peter's downfall; rather, where you are in the storm should be the focal point. Are you in the boat at the mercy of the waves? Or in the midst of the waves with a merciful God? It's okay if your mind says "boat", so long as your feet say "water". Do not doubt, keep faith, and trust in the Lord.

“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand taking hold of him, and He said to him; ‘you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ ”.

"Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble… (Psalm 91:14-15)" Christ is faithful even when we are not. Peter removed his eyes from Christ, and because of it the storm was able to plant a seed of doubt. The word Matthew uses for doubt is significant. It is the Greek word "distazw" (dee-statz-o). It comes from the two Greek words "diw" (dee-o) meaning ‘double’, and "stasiw" (sta-see-o) meaning ‘a standing’. It implies uncertainty which way to take, or being drawn in two different directions. It was one thing for Peter to see himself standing beside Christ amidst the stormy waters while he was safely sitting on the deck of a sea worthy vessel. However, once he stepped down from the boat, and was faced with the power of the wind and the waves crashing at his feet, Peter quickly found himself drawn between the indisputable fact of Christ’s humanity, and the reality of His deity. Nevertheless, Christ does not hesitate. He does not wait for our faith to reach a predetermined level. Nor does He require a deep understanding of the theological implications of his deity. There was no need for Peter to sort this out in his own mind before Christ would act. It did not matter that Peter's faith was shaken. For Christ's power is made perfect in our weakness (2nd Corinthians 12:9a). Christ is always faithful, and always there. Peter said ‘Lord, save me’ and with the same hand that will soon be nailed to a cross, Christ turned all of Peter’s doubts, into doubtless faith. No longer drawn between the power of the wind and the power of Christ, Peter found security at the savior’s side. Too often, I find myself submerging with nothing more than a single hand stretched out for help. It often peaks above the overpowering waves, awaiting my savior to reach down and pull me to His side. In His hands, and by His side, is where I long to be. If only we could say with certainty that the power of the storm would never again distract us from keeping our eyes upon the savior. However, we can't, we're human. Therefore, let us praise God. For even when our faith hesitates, His hand never does.

DON'T FORGET YOUR SAVIOR

“And when they went up into the boat the waves ceased”.

All crises end. It may not be the end we expected, or the end for which we may have prayed. Nevertheless, all crises, like storms, have a beginning, a climax, and eventually an end. This is seldom thought of in the beginning of a crisis, and little consolation during it's climax. However, the winds and waves will cease, the storm will pass; but the question that remains is did you weather the storm alone? Or did you say, as many do, "This is my boat! I'll weather the storm. Me and me alone!" The Psalmist wrote "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge (Proverbs 14:32)." Remember, surviving the crisis is not the goal, for all crises will end. Its who you end with that counts.

“Then those in the boat worshiped Him saying; ‘Truly you are the son of God.’ ”

I am never surprised when a non-believer fails to acknowledge God. I am never shocked when they eat without praying, and never do I gasp in horror (sarcasm implied) when I hear of someone refusing to say "Under God" during the pledge of allegiance. This is easy to understand and Paul explained it quite simply when he wrote to the Corinthian believers "The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14)." However, as believers, we have received the Spirit from God that we may have understanding (1 Corinthians 2:12). We have experienced His great love, and have witnessed His wonders in our lives, and throughout creation. It's hard to believe that anyone who has experienced God in such a way could ever forget the wonders He has shown them. How is it possible to enter into such a personal and intimate relationship with the creator and sustainer of all created things and fail to remember Him with every breath? It is beyond comprehension and yet far too often we become complacent in our walk with God. We eat, drink, and satisfy the desires of your hearts, then forget. Moses warned the Israelites of this very issue just before they were to cross the Jordan and take possession of the Promised Land: "Then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery (Deut. 6:11c-12)." The Israelites entire culture was centered on this concept; daily reminders of the Lord who had delivered them from the land of slavery. Shortly after this, Moses reminded the Israelites about God's wonders and laws (Deut. 8:1-20; 26:16-19; 28:1-14). Again, after crossing the Jordan Joshua had a leader from each of the 12 tribes take a stone from the Jordan and piled them up as a reminder of God wonders. Before Joshua died he reminded the Israelites what the Lord had done, and they rededicated themselves to God (Joshua 23-24:27). Joshua then placed a large stone under an oak tree as a reminder (Joshua 24:27). Before the Israelites moved back into the holy city (after the rebuilding of the walls by Nehemiah) Ezra shared with them the laws of God. Then reminded them of everything that the Lord had done for them, and they rededicated themselves. Before Samuel left as Israel's leader (and reaffirmed Saul as King) he reminded all of Israel what the Lord had done. Reminders, upon reminders and yet the Psalmist still declared "They did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by His law. They forgot what He had done, the wonders he had shown them (Psalm 78:10-11)." Do not let this Psalm be true for you. If need be, pile up your memorial stones, tie tassels to your garments, rededicate your life this day, every day, to the Lord God who has delivered you from your trials (Deut. 6:12; Ps. 78:10-11, 107:23-32), from your crisis, and from your land of slavery. The storm has ceased, the winds have died down, and it is once again time to eat and be satisfied. With the crisis now behind you, do not forget to remember the one who delivered you. Solomon said "There is a time for everything, and a time for every activity under the sun (Eccl. 3:1)," and this is the time to praise the Lord.  [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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