November 23, 2016: SOAP #2547:  Matthew 14-16

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 14:22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

Observation:   After feeding the 5000, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and leave for the other side of the lake.  Then he dismissed the crowd and went up the mountain to pray.  When the evening came, he was alone but the disciples were already fighting the wind and waves.    The next we read is that Jesus went to them, walking on the water, but it was in the “fourth watch of the night.”   That would be between 3:00 am and 6:00 am.  Interesting it is that Jesus had prayed through most of the night; while the disciples had battled the storm most of the night.

Application:    Does Jesus ever send me into the storm?  Yes.  Does He ever leave me in the storm longer that I like?  YES!  What does Jesus do while I am in the storm?  He prays.  (Remember that He told Peter that he had prayed that his faith not fail! Luke 22:32) (Romans 8:34) What does Jesus do for me?  He shows me He is greater than the storm!

Prayer:   Lord, I can trust you.  You will not lead me into a storm for my destruction, but for my instruction.  In the storm, you will teach me more about Yourself.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!