John 6:19–21 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
After feeding the 5,000, who wanted to make him a king, Jesus dismissed Himself to a place of solitude to pray. As Jesus prayed, He kept His eyes upon the ship and saw that the Twelve were in danger, and fear had welled up, within them. Therefore, He went directly to them, walking on the water (Mat 14:25–33 supplements that Peter walked with Jesus on the water at this time).
They were in this storm not because they disobeyed God, as Jonah had done (Jon 1), but out of their obedience to Christ. Storms are not out of God’s will. After Jesus lifted Peter out of the water and they both climbed into the ship, the storm ceased and immediately the boat was at the shore in Capernaum.
What a dramatic series of miracles! He satisfied the hunger of more than 5,000 people. He walked on water and enabled Peter to walk as well. He stilled the storm and instantly brought the ship to shore.
Can you see a picture of the church of Jesus Christ, in these events, reflected in this tempestuous and dangerous world we live in? As we obey the commands of the Master, we may find ourselves caught in storms and seemingly making no progress. But Jesus is interceding for us in heaven (Rom 8:34); He comes to us at just the right time, on His watch. He enables us to overcome the storm and finally reach our intended destination.
Corum Deo: How often have you tried to fearfully row to your destination, rather than trust that to Christ? Do you not know that He calms the storm and brings you safely to your destination in His will?