A MAN OF PRAYER

 MATTHEW 14:22-31

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, nhe went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When oevening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way2 from the land,3 beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them

Hi, Dear Child of The Mighty God of the universe. Praise be to the Living God. Welcome to The Stable Sanctuary. The Holy Bible Scripture displayed above depicts an exciting episode on the Sea of Galilee. Feel highly welcome as we traverse the story.

Jesus Christ had just fed a hungry multitude of five thousand men beside women and Children using five loaves and two fish courtesy of a young boy who was present. Surely, be ready to avail oneself for God’s service; anywhere, anytime.

The people were feeling to be in the presence of Jesus Christ. He had to sent them away filled both physically and spiritually; check verse 22 and 23 . At this point, Jesus decides to access the place of prayer; up into a mountain. Prayer is quite essential in a Christian’s life. It is the heartbeat of the spiritual life. The success of the Christian mission depends on prayer. Jesus Christ is a man of prayer.

JESUS WALKS ON THE SEA

Verse 24 and 25 both indicate that the wind was contrary and all was not well. Yet Jesus Christ went unto them walking on the water of the sea of Galilee. Wonderful. The disciples were in a ship; struggling to keep the vessel stable because it was stormy. Yet Jesus Christ was walking on the surface of the water as though he was walking on a concrete pavement. Wow. In our daily activities, the sea of life may experience great storms and tempests; yet Jesus Christ is always present. He is the master of all elements in nature. Everything must obey Him. Our safety is always hidden in Christ Jesus. He is able to carry us all the way and bring us to the place of high priviledge.

TURBULENCE

  Check verses 26 and 27. The disciples see Jesus walking on the water. They are troubled; thinking that they’ve seen an apparition. They thought they were seeing a spirit. They could not believe that He was the one. They cried out . Eh! Jesus speaks to them to cheer them up and dispel their fear; “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid”, Yes, we are to face adverse situations and circumstances with cheer knowing that His presence assures our safety and success. This brings me to fact that Jesus Christ is real. He is  the Champion of situations and circumstances no matter what they may be. Trust Him to lead and guide you.

TRANQUILITY

Verses 28-31 indicates Peter’s attempt to walk on water but due to the heavy storms at sea, he began to sink. Good enough, he calls on Jesus who stretches His hand and saves him. In times of trouble dear friend, always call on Jesus Christ. He is a very present help to all that call on His name. Anywhere. Here, the disciples can bear witness to something very strange; beyond their natural comprehension. Talk of wonders beyond comprehension? Perhaps . Yet very true. Natural circumstances should not bring about doubts and fear in our lives. God is able to save us. Jesus Christ restored tranquility and the storm subsided. All the disciples then worshipped Jesus Christ by recognizing Him as the Messiah.

   CONCLUSION

Jesus Christ is a man of prayer. He never did anything without seeking God’s will through prayer. He took twelve hours overnight in prayer; thereafter he chose His twelve disciples. When storms and tempests arise in the great sea of our life , we need the man Christ Jesus to hold our hands. He knows the way forward. He alone is the Saviour.  Jesus Christ understands how to access tranquility. His presence is our blessed assurance. He causes storms and tempests to subside once and for all. Let us recognize Him and worship Him. He is Christ; The Messiah. He works wonders that are beyond comprehension.