Storms

Matthew 14:22-33

Today's story has some very strong words in it. Words which we seem to miss the importance of because we tend to look at the story as familiar and a part of the framework of Jesus calming the storm. Yet this one is significant because in Matthew's gospel we don't have this story once, but twice. Since this is the second storm on the sea there must be something different so we need to go and listen to it once again.

The first thing which stand out in this story is Jesus makes the disciples get in the boat. This is not a request, or an ask and the Greek word emphasizes this. It is one which is translated as compels them or insists they get in. So we see that Jesus is setting them up for something. This is something different from the storm before where they were just crossing to get to the other side. This is a teachable moment for them, a test, if you want to call it that. 

They get in and are assailed, now this is the other place where the original Greek word is important because the description is like those who are assailed by evils spirits. This is not a gentle storm and it is meant to take down the boat and all who are in it. It is pounding the boat and its inhabitants and they are scared. But they still don't call on anyone.

Then there Jesus comes in the midst of it all. What does Peter want to do? Peter wants to join him on the water. So he starts to come out and then is distracted by the ferocity of the storm and starts to sink. "Save me Lord!" is what he asks of Jesus. 

This is the crux of this story for us. I want you to think about when you have learned the most wonderful, or hardest lesson in life. What was that time that changed your thinking. That pushed you into a new direction. Please take time and write it down on a piece of paper and sit with it.

Now, returning to Peter sinking. He asks Jesus to save him. He becomes vulnerable and asks for help. In a world where vulnerability is seen as something which is weak this is hard. Believe me, the time Peter lives in is the same. Rome the conqueror and spreader of empire never wanted to be seen as weak. This is why the Jews were a thorn in their side which they kept having to put down with such force and strength they had no one to call on and say, help us. They had to show that vulnerability is foolish.

This is the way it is today. Those who are vulnerable are viewed as foolish. We put them down with might and strength as it is defined in carelessness. The creation, immigrants, people of color, and those who are different from us are all weaknesses in our society. So we keep away from the fact that all of us were once immigrants searching for something better. Or we say we need things now and more of them so we can't stop hurting the creation. The thing is we don't surrender easily. This story gives us the example though, "Lord, save us."

Becoming vulnerable is the turning point in our stories. When we become vulnerable we allow that we don't have all the answers. That maybe in diverse opinions or thoughts we may find the answers together. "Lord, save us."

We need to be able to speak those words. To allow we don't have all the answers so we might find our way with each other again. Because the story doesn't end with Peter's plea. Jesus gets into the boat with the rest of them and they proclaim him the Son of God. This is not a Peter alone story this is a disciple story. 

Now write on the back of your story, "Lord, save us." When we pray the Lord's prayer we pray for God's will to be done in every situation. We let go, we become vulnerable and say this world, this problem, this disease is not in our control. We are saying, "Lord, save us." 

Think of praying this for a while and see what might come when you are vulnerable in your time with God. Maybe it will work out in the things you do or say. Maybe we will open up to one another and find we are in the storm, in the boat together and we can then find the calm which comes with acceptance.