In the world we live in today, it’s easy to find ourselves disillusioned and distracted. However, it was no different in the days when Jesus walked the earth performing convincing miracles, signs and wonders which testified of His divinity. In Matt 14:24-33, we see the well known story of Peter who got out of the boat full of disciples as he desired to walk on water to go to Jesus. This story has been used in countless sermons to illustrate important foundational Christian truths e.g. faith and the fact that Jesus is with us even in the midst of the storms of life. However, the Word of God, when carefully studied, can reveal new truths and insights to those earnestly seeking them. New truths can be learned from an old story!
Like all of us, Peter desired to grow spiritually and to be closer to Christ. He succeeded as long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus. Today, we face greater challenges than ever before but in order to succeed and attain to greater spiritual heights, we will have to leave our comfort zones behind and desire to walk with the Lord, wherever He leads us.
One of the greatest hindrances to the Christian is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is like the raging waves of the sea that Peter chose to focus his eyes on and when he did, it left him faithless and sinking. When you focus on the hypocrisy of others who call themselves brothers in the faith, you are actually shifting your gaze off Jesus and resting it on man instead. Rev 17:15 confirms for us that waters symbolize people and nations. Therefore, when you choose to feast your eyes on the hypocrisy of others, using their hypocrisy as an excuse to allow yourself to stray from the path the Lord has chosen for you, you have essentially affirmed that you look to man and not to Christ as your role model. There are many professing Christians who leave the faith and forsake the fellowship of the saints because they are searching for the “perfect church”. There is no one perfect church; the church today is made up of imperfect members, broken vessels that the Lord in His grace has chosen to fill with His Spirit and with whom He is still working to make perfect. (Phil 1:6)
When you leave the church that God has established because of the perceived hypocrisy of others, you are basically demonstrating that you regard yourself superior to them! You may find that you are suffering from a serious bout of self-righteousness and pride which in itself is one of the most abominable sins. Why would any person in their right mind leave the only One who can save him because of the untoward behaviour of another who has chosen to go his own way? It begs the question: Did you ever even truly know Christ, because if you did you would not let someone else’s hypocrisy get in the way of your eternal destiny in His Kingdom!
Keeping the faith is a daily choice that you must make. You must choose to keep the connection with Christ alive and strong every day of your life. He has promised that if you abide in Him, He will abide in you, and anything you ask according to His perfect Will for your life will be done for you. Instead of judging others for the hypocrisy and sin in their lives, choose to let Christ’s gaze meet yours. Choose to let the fire in His eyes penetrate your soul and remove all the dross and self-righteousness until you are covered only in His robe of righteousness. Don’t give up-remain steadfast!
Scripture refs: Matt 14:23-31, Rev 14:12, John 15:7
"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he [Jesus] went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matt 14:23-31
