The First Step
To begin a journey, there are always those first steps. We all have seen a baby take her first steps. Usually a little wobbly 2 or 3 steps are taken, followed by a sudden sit down. After trying a few times, before you know it there is a toddler walking then running and a new world has opened up to them.
Today’s scripture is about taking a first step. Peter, the disciple who was always curious and eager, wanted to walk on the water to Jesus. When Peter gets out of the boat he can be seen
as a risk taker,
as crazy or brave, or
as someone having faith in Jesus.
There are a few things we need to look at in context and with a viewpoint of the times.
The disciples were in the boat alone, in the night with the wind against them. This was a frightening situation. The disciples who had always been with Jesus, were separated from him. Emanuel, ‘God with us’ was not with them. In Biblical thought the sea is a force of chaos which is held at bay in the creative act of God. The sea is an image of death that threatens the goodness of life. And in this case it is the sea that separates the disciples from Jesus; Jesus representing the presence of God.
But then Jesus comes in the latest and darkest part of the night, walking on the sea. Can you see this image? The disciples in the dark, alone, and afraid. And then they see Jesus walking on the sea and they are terrified, thinking it is a ghost.
The word used here for ghost is fantasma phantom) meaning an apparition or specter. The disciples feared because in their minds it could be a demon, a spirit, or a trickster. For how could it be Jesus? That is why Peter says "Lord, if it is you".
It is not a ghost. It is Him! Jesus is the one who overcomes the power of chaos! Peter got out of the boat because he obeyed Jesus’ summons "Come". Peter trusted Jesus.
So why did he sink? Was it doubt or fear? Or was it that Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus to his circumstances?
Peter noticed the wind and became frightened. He had a moment of doubt. But what did Peter do in his moment of fear? He cried out, "Lord, save me!"
And Jesus responded. "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him". Jesus was there. Peter knew he could depend on Jesus. Peter knew Jesus would save him. Peter’s moment of doubt was in his circumstances, not in Jesus’ power. Peter exercised his faith by calling out for Jesus’ saving help even as he was falling.
So the amazing part of this story for me is not that Jesus walked on the water or that Peter walked on the water; it is that Peter knew he could cry out for help and knew Jesus was there to help.
Jesus has authority over all creation so what can hurt us without His permission. As we venture out in faith, we can trust that Jesus will be with us. As you and I walk through this world, we need not fear, because He walks with us.
Peter’s life long story emphasizes for us the astonishing grace and gentle restoring power available in Jesus. You and I know none of us have failed so many times that God cannot use us for His purposes.
So what keeps us ‘in the boat’ or causes us to ‘sink’? Are there doubts,
fear of standing alone, or
a sense of inadequacy?
What can keep you and I from taking a first step? The toddler learning to walk, keeps trying for that first step. That first step can lead
to adventure,
to change,
to new discoveries, or
to the beginning of a joyful journey.
I have experienced a few frightening first steps in my joyful journey. A few years ago I did a zip line for the first time. This was a line higher in the air than I am usually comfortable with, that stretched out over a lake. As I took that step off the platform onto nothing, every part of me was screaming ‘this is wrong" and "what are you doing". And for the first half of the trip across the lake you could hear me scream. But then I realized I was safe, I had an incredible view, and it was going to be over way too quickly.
It was an adventure. It was a risky first step. But it led to joy.
The other big first step I had only 2years ago.
I responded to God’s call. I had been praying for direction and guidance to know if seminary was the path I should take. It wasn’t Jesus summoning saying ‘come’, it was more of a whisper of God saying ‘yes’. It was a first step, I had to respond; it was my first step on this joyful journey.
Where can a first step lead? Where is God leading you as an individual and as a congregation to step out of your comfort zone and walk with Him? God is with us on our journeys. Jesus will never leave you, no matter your circumstances.
In our Old Testament reading Elijah is called to take a first step and return to the wilderness of Damascus. He has to take that first step because even though he has run to Horeb to escape possible death, he needs to return to his journey, his path, his service to God. And God shall guide him and send others to help.
God was with Elijah. Just as Jesus reached out to save Peter. And as you and I know we are not alone on our journeys. All we need to do is take that first step.
Let us pray...
God, we thank you for your guidance.
Let us be open to listen to your call, to know that we are not alone on our joyous journey.
Give us the courage to take the first steps in the opportunities you put before us.
In your son’s Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
Benediction:
May JOY and nothing less guide you on your way.
May you be blessed; may you be a blessing.
May light, love's own crucified risen light,
guide you and countless others out of every darkness
all the way home.
(Thanks to Professor Carson Brisson for the words of benediction.)
