David Bahn – Reflections

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 14; Leviticus 18; Genesis 40; 1 Chronicles 10.

Matthew 14:22-33

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

²⁸ And 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 and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And 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.”

Sometimes faith is heroic. You get out of the boat and walk on water. You touch the fringe of Jesus’ garments. You tell Jesus that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. You hear Jesus say, “Great is your faith.”

Then other times faith is weak, frantic, almost ashamed. Peter flails in the water, sinking fast, yelling, “Lord save me!” Disciples exclaiming to Jesus when he tells them they must forgive someone 70X7, “Increase our faith” (cf. Luke 17:5). The father of the demon-possessed boy saying to Jesus, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” (cf. Mark 9:24 ).

Sometimes faith simply waits. Joseph in prison, having interpreted the Baker’s and the Cupbearer’s dreams, and being forgotten for a time (cf. Genesis 40), until the cupbearer remembers him. Hannah waiting for the birth of a son. Sarah and Abraham waiting (sometimes not waiting) for the birth of the son of God’s promise.

But when faith is placed where it belongs – not in our strength of will or fervency of prayer, but in God – it finds a solid base. But faith falsely-placed is like investing in a Ponzi scheme. You will be left with nothing in the end.

I had that thought today as I reflected on Peter’s cry for help as he was sinking. Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. Joseph was ultimately saved. The woman was healed. The father’s child was healed. Even doubting Thomas was shown a living Lord.

Rather than trusting our own strength, convictions, understanding, or holiness, best we trust in the One who saves, heals, and honors even the weakest faith.

PS: I’m listening to a book called, The Widow Spy, by Megan Campisi. It’s a historical novel about a woman who has hidden her identity and smoothed her persona, including her speech and mannerisms. A line caught me today that may apply indirectly to the issue of faith. “A person gives up a lot to be so smooth.” We don’t have to be smooth to be accepted by God, but we do have to give up on the idea that we can save ourselves in any way other than faith in Jesus.