Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There’s something to be said about the ministry of presence. It’s the simple fact of being present with someone, being physically close by. As a pastor, I know I’m not able to always help people with their struggles and challenges. I’m not able to pay off a house for you. I’m not able to heal all your diseases. I’m not able to change the facts of life, no matter how much I wish I could. However, I can sit beside you while you endure it. I can be present with you through it all and happily stay by your side the whole time.

You see, we so often discard the simple benefits of someone being present with us. Especially with technology, we think we can get the same benefits whenever we desire. But experience hasn’t shown as much. Having someone sitting three feet away from you is different than looking at that person on a computer screen. 

In our Gospel reading this week, we read about one of the few times that Jesus doesn’t stay with the disciples. Jesus, still grieving the death of John the Baptist, sends the disciples off in a boat so that he can pray by himself. While Jesus is praying, the disciples are out in the boat being tossed around by a storm (Matthew 14:24). Even as experienced fisherman, this storm wasn’t to be taken lightly. One mistake or even one misfortune could quickly mean the death of all the disciples.

I wonder what type of conversations the disciples had in the boat. Were they regretting leaving without Jesus? Were they still confident in their experience navigating to shore? Or were they fearing for their life as we normally say? For Jesus walks on the water in the midst of this storm to rejoin them in the boat. It’s upon seeing Jesus that we’re told of the terror of the disciples (Matthew 14:26). The disciples were afraid, even deathly so. The storm had been battering them and now they see a “ghost” walking on the water towards them. 

Notice that Jesus doesn’t immediately calm the storm. Only after he climbs into the boat, are the waves and wind stopped. Rather, his answer to their fear is a simple statement, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid,” Matthew 14:27. Jesus was telling them that he was with them. He was reassuring them that what they saw wasn’t a ghost, but himself revealing his glory in this miraculous act. Jesus simply sought to be present with them. Of course, Jesus wasn’t powerless either. He as the Lord of all creation had the power to calm the storm… and their fears. And so too with you. Jesus may not immediately calm the storms of our lives. He may not stop us from facing tragedy or difficulties, but he will be present with us. By his death, Jesus seeks to be near us with forgiveness, grace, and mercy. He reaches out his hand when we’re drowning that he may save us. For so we shall heed his words… do not be afraid. We need not fear the storm but look to the Lord who is with us always, saving us from our sins and bringing to us peace and eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!