Take Courage

Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27, NIV 1984).

My Musings – After preaching to and feeding the multitudes, “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd…[and] went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:22–23, NIV 1984).

Later, He rejoined the disciples by walking on the water to the boat, which was “buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.” (Matthew 14:24, NIV 1984). Already in distress because of the wind and the waves, the disciples were further alarmed to see this lone figure approaching their boat. Given that it was the “the fourth watch [3am – 6am] of the night,” (Matthew 14:25, NIV 1984), they were likely worn out, having been awake for nearly twenty-four hours. And darkness only serves to magnify one’s fear and alarm. So much so that they thought He was a ghost.

What a relief it must have been for them to hear “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” A familiar voice. A commanding voice. A trustworthy voice. A voice they had witnessed commanding miracles.

My Advice – Today, the voice is rarely, if ever, audible. But it is there, nevertheless. Reminding us in life’s storms as the Father did to Joshua, “have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV 1984).

Let’s face the storms with confidence, “because God has said, ‘never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, we [can indeed] say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.'” (Hebrews 13:5–6, NIV 1984). And that is an encouraging thought.