Jesus Walks on Water | Matthew 14:22- 36

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word to that whole surrounding region, and people brought all who were sick to him 36 and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

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This scripture has always made me chuckle, because it feels so relatable to a big decision I made in life: accepting the job at Johnsonburg! 

Years ago, I relocated my family to Minnesota (to the land of the Lutherans!). Many of my colleagues who are also camp directors encouraged me to apply to a new position not long after, but I said No Way! I didn't think we could move again, nor could I handle the breadth and depth of the ministry at the new site. However, I relearned a valuable lesson: God is here for each one of us every day, no matter what. If we sense a call to something new, God bids us to take that leap and we must only trust and go, weathering the change. 

I believe it is a good ending to my story: God’s promise to us brought my family to New Jersey, to Johnsonburg! Yes, I climbed out of the boat. But to be perfectly honest, some days, I’m clinging to the side, in fear and desperation, scared of what is to come. I do know that God has prepared me and I do know that Jesus is holding my hand, by my side, ready to go with me wherever I go. Still, I understand Peter. 

I find great consolation that we are also held by something else: a community of believers. Every time I have encountered a decision in life, mentors, family, and friends have encouraged me and advised me. They have prayed for me and with me. They have listened to me and counseled me. There are also those who simply love me. They have challenged me to rethink the big pieces of life such as calling, the definition of family, personal fulfillment, my spiritual gifts, and true joy. 

I have learned to lean on these saints, for the boat that I climbed out of was a very hard boat to exit. But through it all I’ve recognized that it is God who has the biggest claim on me- not anyone or anything else. I am reminded of the First Catechism - question #1: Who are you? Answer: I am a child of God. Question #2: What does it mean to be a child of God? Answer: That I belong to God who loves me. 

Wow.

I invite you to open your hands and stretch your arms outward. Feel the presence of God around you. May the openness of your heart, mind and soul reflect the openness of your posture so that you may hear God in clearer and truer ways. Let it be so.

Elise Bates Russell

Johnsonburg, NJ

Executive Director, Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center