John 6:16-21 tells us that “When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.” It was dark. The sea was stirred up because of a strong wind. Jesus was not with them. They had rowed about three or four miles when suddenly, “they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid.” Jesus said to them – as Jesus says to you and to me today – DO NOT BE AFRAID!
To be human is to be afraid. We all experience fear at some time or other in some shape or form. It is normal to be afraid. Some of our fears our legitimate, e.g., fear of tornadoes. Some of our fears are unfounded, e.g., seeing danger around every corner. Some of our fears are mild and passing, e.g., wondering if we will make an appointment on time. Some of our fears are profound and seemingly all pervasive, e.g., concern about the future of a family member hooked on dangerous drugs. Some of our fears are real but we cope with them. Tragically, some of our fears control us and make us their captives. The only way through fear is to go through it – to face the fears and their consequences. Jesus tells us DO NOT BE AFRAID – that is, do not be controlled by fear. Jesus is with us – always and everywhere. Jesus is with us as we navigate the sea of life. Jesus is with us as we encounter the storms of life. Jesus not only approaches the boat of our lives; He enters the boat and crosses the sea with us.
Andre's Hearth 