Elaine Pierce
Feb 42 min
by Elaine Pierce
In today's scripture passage, we read two familiar stories: Jesus feeding the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water. I'm sure that you, like me, have read these stories many times. As I read them again today, however, verse 52 jumped out at me - take a look:
"They were completely amazed [that he had walked on the water out to their boat] for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened."
The disciples' hearts were hardened? Wait a minute, I thought the pharisees were the ones who didn't understand? What is this about? These are Jesus' closest followers, and even they don't understand? How could they have missed the point when they saw the miracle of Jesus providing a satisfying meal for thousands of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish? And then he walks on water - what else does he need to do to show them who he is?
And then I stop and ponder my own life experiences. How many times has God been faithful, and I so quickly forget? How often do I miss his blessings because I am focused on what I am doing? Yes, their hearts were hardened, but Jesus doesn't give up on them. He tells them not to be afraid when they see him walking on water: "Take courage!"
Take a few minutes each day to thank God for what he has done in your life and what he will do. Yes, you will have "walking on water" moments, but more often than not, you will see the small, quiet ways that God is loving you, guiding you, and forgiving you day by day. Don't be afraid. Take courage. He will not let you down, even when you ignore him or doubt him. He chose you, and he chose me - thanks be to God.
Lord, so often I fail to see your goodness and your mercy. I'm so caught up in my life and I want to run things my way. Help me stop, to listen, and to thank you for how you lead me day by day. Help me see your daily mercies, and to take comfort and rest in you. Amen.