“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And ... He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.”
This is a picture of what takes place now while the Lord is absent in heaven. It also pictures the experiences of the faithful Jewish remnant in a coming day. The storm is a consequence of His rejection. His disciples must cross the stormy sea alone, as the enemy stirs up opposition to their going on in faith. But He is on high in prayer for them. He is not indifferent to their trials. “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him . . . they were troubled ... and they cried out for fear.”
However, at the proper time the Lord comes to His people. He comes walking on the water — He is above the storm, He is the Master of the waves. Yet His people cry out for fear. The remnant in that day cannot be at peace until they own Him as their rejected Messiah.
Peter’s Faith
“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Those comforting words lead Peter to say: “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.” In response the Lord says, “Come.” Peter in faith leaves the ship and walks on the water to go to Jesus. The storm is still at its height, but the Lord’s word, “Come,” is enough for Peter. He pictures to us those in this dispensation who, having heard the Lord’s voice, and owning Him as Saviour, now seek to walk in faith, by divine power, across this world to Him. They walk by faith, not by sight.
Peter’s faith carries him almost to Jesus, but seeing the wind so boisterous, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. As long as he keeps his eye on Jesus and has His word before his heart all is well, but it is when he looks at the waves he begins to sink. In truth it makes no difference whether the sea is stormy or calm — it is not a matter of circumstances — it is a question of faith looking to the Lord who alone can keep us in the storm or in the calm.
When Peter cries out, “Lord, save me,” the Lord immediately stretches forth His hand and catches him, saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Peter fails — as many of us have since — but it is to prove the faithfulness of the Lord who never fails.
Prophetic Picture
In this case Peter sees in Jesus One who goes beyond simply fulfilling the promises to the Jews as a nation. The disciples cling to Him personally, and so as His sheep they are led out of the Jewish fold. Later on after His ascension they become the church. Everything centers in Him.
The Lord and Peter rejoin the remnant of the disciples in the ship. “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” This tells us of the time when the Lord will come back again bringing His heavenly people with Him. The Jewish remnant, those who pass through the great tribulation, will be delivered. The storm will cease and they will acknowledge Him as the Son of God.
Further Meditation
1. What prophetic illustration can be found in this study?
2. How is this account of the storm distinct from the story in John 6:16-21?
3. If you are dealing with difficult times, you might find God’s Providence by R. Elliott to be quite encouraging.