Continuing in Matthew 14
There were twelve, but Peter the one, was caught up with what Jesus was offering. Yes, caught up. Meaning…. focusing on Jesus elevated him to a new level. He literally leveled up. What we get caught up in will either raise us to new levels or send us hurling head over heals backwards to the shore. We will either increase or decrease our territory.
Jesus has once again enlarged his disciples vision of Himself and His authority. It didn’t have the same effect on all the disciples though. It was Peter who remained focused and listening to the Words of Jesus and who asked: “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Identifying Jesus in his circumstance empowered Peter to ask the question of his life.
Note, Peter upon recognizing Jesus did not respond by asking Jesus to get in the boat. He didn’t try to put Jesus into his space or reduce him to his own understanding. Peter didn’t respond with all the excuses why water walking wasn’t for him. No, Peter asked to join Jesus on the water. Peter released to Jesus what was inside him to take hold of the vision of Jesus before him. What do you think would have been easier; especially having no prior experience, had never dreamed of this moment, so far above anything that he could have imagined, who owned no special water walking shoes?
We are all guilty at one time or another of reducing Jesus instead of enlarging Him. Each time we practice reducing Jesus we enlarge our self and decrease the possibilities of an enlarged life with Jesus. The intended limitless possibilities become very limited. Survey your own life. What do you see? If you don’t see endless possibility it isn’t because you are facing overwhelming circumstances it is because Jesus has not been given full authority. When Jesus is given authority the power of circumstance is quenched. Result: You level up.
In Matthew 14 we find the perfect practice in verse 29. Jesus said “Come” and Peter got out of the boat and came toward Jesus. We need to get this down so that we practice perfectly.
- Listen for Jesus to speak to your condition. What is He calling out that is separating you from the enlarged life He intends for you. For the disciples it was fear.
- Confirm it is Jesus and ask to join Him where He is.
- Listen for the invitation to come.
- Get out of the boat, leave the shore, forget what lies behind, don’t hesitate or contemplate, no excuses, GO, GET MOVING TOWARD JESUS.
What just happened? You moved away from all that kept you small and hindered and life became limitless. These are the exact steps Peter took. He simply got out of the boat and the impossible happened. Peter walked on water. I don’t think he ever looked back and wished he had stayed in the boat. No, I think it was a level up experience that increased His faith for the enlarged territory ahead of him.
Level up! It’s time to ReSet.
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