Lent Day 16: "It is I, don't be afraid."

How do you know it's God and not something else, when you're part of the spectacular or the miraculous? Our instinct is to cling to the familiar and fear the unknown (or the unknowable.)

In scripture, when an angel shows up, the conversation usually starts with, "Do not be afraid." Jesus says the same thing to his disciples the night after he feeds the 5000.

 After cleaning up the divine picnic, the disciples take off in their boat. They go without Jesus - and run into a storm. 

Here's the story:

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 

But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6:16-21)

> Who could predict walking on water? Who could predict walking on stormy water? Of course the disciples are shocked.

> Yet, in his gentle way, Jesus (God) reassures us, "Don't be afraid. I'm showing up."

> In another version of the story, Matthew explains that Peter gets out of the boat. When Peter is partway to jesus, his courage fails and he begins to sink. Jesus rescues him. Here's what happens:

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’

'Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’

‘Come,’ he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ [Matthew 14:28-32]

> Whether you're in the storm, are hopping out of the safety of the boat, or sinking, look for Jesus. His strong hand can rescue you, wherever you are. 

> He can find you even when your faith has run out and you are drowning. Where do you need his intervention today?