The eleventh Sunday after Pentecost : Proper 14,
Matthew 14: verses 22-33
May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be righteous and always acceptable by God.
The first reading is from Genesiss 37: verse 1-4, Jacob has settled in the land of Canaan where his father lived as an alien. Joseph is the youngest son and his older brothers are jealous of him because he is the favorite of all Jacob’s children. His brothers knew this and when they saw him coming to be with them they conspired to kill him. Reuben heard it and said, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit in the wilderness. Then, a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead appeared with their camels carrying gum, balm and resin.
Judah had a change of heart and decided that it would be better to offer up Joseph to the Medianite traders. But his conscience told him that Joseph was his brother and they shared the same flesh and blood. His brothers accepted Judah’s decision.
Joseph’s life was saved not only when Rueben, Judah and the rest the brotherhood had a change of heart but also when he was rescued out of the pit by the Midianite traders and brought into Egypt.
Joseph became a new figure of importance when he landed in Egypt! He was sold to the Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh. Joseph became successful and prospered in the house of the Egyptian master. The masters thought God must be with this man because everything that he did was successful.
In today’s gospel lesson from Matthew 14: 22-33 God reveals a divine power and presence. It is the transfiguration of Jesus coming to save his disciples.
Jesus had recently heard of the execution of John the Baptist ordered by the current ruler, Herod which was prompted by the mother of Herodias. When her daughter danced for Herod, it pleased him so much that he told her he would give her whatever she wanted. And Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. When Jesus heard that he was beheaded he needed to retreat to a quiet place to reflect on what this meant for his future as well. He not unlike John the Baptist, was a prophet as well who had the confidence of the multitudes.
So, Jesus went up to the mountains for prayer and solitude. He ordered his disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side. Then he dismissed the crowds and went up to the mountain to pray.
So, the disciples got into the boat heading for the other side of the sea. When they got out to the middle of the sea, suddenly the disciples faced a raging storm. They feared for their lives. The nature of water and weather has always been somewhat unpredictable. The wind created huge waves. The disciples were struggling to keep afloat.
And then suddenly, Jesus appears out of nowhere. Not only did they see him, but they heard his voice telling them “Do not be afraid. It is me. I am here.” I am the captain, trust in me. But they did not believe what they were seeing and they were frightened by this appearance of Jesus walking on the sea.
Peter was the boldest of the disciples in his doubtfulness. He says to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus called Peter to come and walk on water. Peter began to walk on the water until he once again became doubtful. He looked down and did not stay focused on Jesus and he began to sink. But Jesus in his steadfast love for Peter and his disciples lifted Peter up out of the water and they both got back into the boat. Then the winds ceased, and they made it safely to shore. By now the disciples were convinced Jesus was with them and saved them from a disastrous destruction by the water the wind and the waves of sea.
The disciples were part of a miraculous event at sea in a boat during a storm. Jesus came to them as a holy supernatural entity sent from God the Almighty. So, this story tells me if you believe in God nothing is too hard for God to solve. Not even rocket science. But one must believe in divine intervention in order to be saved.
And there was Peter crying out to be saved by Jesus. And Jesus dinged him for doubting, saying “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This Gospel is about believing in God. It confirms that God will save you if you believe in God. Jesus says, I am here. I am your savior. I Am thee, I Am. I Am always with you but you must follow me so that you will know me and I will know you.
In Jewish mystic tradition there is a beautiful image of Shakena. The word Shakena is a notion of feminine divinity which means to dwell with God. In the order for daily morning prayer God whose name is holy proclaims to dwell in the high and holy place with us to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones.
“In All the Miracles of the Bible, “by Herbert Lockyer” proclaims that a miracle is proof of a divine revelation. In Apostolical times miracles were the explanation for no other explainable interpretation except divine intervention. It is the evidence of the supernatural working in man’s behalf.
Today’s gospel lesson is also about repentance, which is salvation for sins and unbelief. Yes, the waters were troubled. Peter had to wade in the water. He couldn’t just sit there in the boat and believe Jesus’ words of courage. Yes, the waters were troubled. Was this the test? Or was it the faith of the disciples that was troubled and tested? Was it the waves of water going up and down or the waves of faith going up and down?
Raise your hand if you have never been afraid about something?
I was afraid when the earth quaked one day when I was in high school. I dropped down to the floor and got under the counter at the library check out station where I was assisting, and I began to pray. After what seemed like an eternity the ferocious shaking and loud rumbling stopped. I am sure I was not the only one praying for it to stop.
One morning on my way home to Colorado Springs after a long weekend in Greely Colorado with college friends, I lost control of my Toyota on the icy freeway. I saw that a small group of people had already pulled over standing outside of their vehicles. I guess I eased off the gas pedal and tried to break my speed which was more than likely to fast. And then all of a sudden, my car stopped on a dime just before I ran into that small group of people. I don’t remember if I was praying but maybe that small group of people were praying for me because if I had went any further I would have went over a cliff or ran into them. I believe now that I was driving through the valley of the shadow of death but Jesus the Good Shepherd was with me with rod and staff to comfort me.
To fear is to have faith. Being fearful makes one faithful in the practice of prayer. Jesus came into the world as a transfiguration to save us. He transformed the hearts of Rueben, Judah and the rest of the brothers. The Pharoah’s heart softened and recognized Joseph as a symbol of holiness from God.
Jesus teaches us to be missionaries of peace throughout all his teachings. The Lord is generous to all who call on him. Peace of the Lord be with you at all times and in all places.
Amen.