Israel Day 2

Day 2
Sea of Galilee

Matthew 8. Luke 4, Mark 8- Jesus calms the storm- even the winds obey him.
Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 6- Jesus walks on water.

Joy’s Journey- Joy gets to ride on a boat ☺

The disciples witnessed some amazing things on this sea. Peter when he sees Jesus walking on the water says- “If it’s really you, tell me to come”. Most of us know this story. Peter takes the step of faith. He walks on water, until he takes his eyes off Jesus. I think what amazing faith to take that step out of the boat, but when he starts to sink, Jesus asks “Why do you have so little faith?” I ask- “Why is the follow up so hard?” Peter gets a rebuke when I would expect a pat on the back- a “nice try”. I think when I take that first step of faith I expect the rest to be easy, for God to take over for us, to appreciate our effort of faith. I took my step of faith- now bless me- now make it easy. But it ain’t over til it’s over. One step is good but Jesus says keep going, keep focused, keep moving toward me.

The hand is extended. So while Jesus did say “oh ye of little faith” simultaneously he extends his hand. While I will forget my focus and more often than I would like, return to trying to do it myself, to looking at what is around me, the hand is offered again.

Later on the same day in Capernaum, we talked about Jesus rebuking the church in Matthew 11:20. Yet again in 11:21 he issues another invitation, another hand of mercy. It seems we are always somewhere on that continuum, either falling short or remembering our need and clasping Christ’s hand. Both Peter and the Capernaum church faltered, both were extended grace, but only Peter chose to reach out, to connect to Christ.

Mount of Beatitudes
As I read through Matthew 5-7 the thought that jumped into my head is –Truth is true without end. Jesus spoke truth that is for yesterday, today and tomorrow. The sermon of the Beatitudes is just as needed and relevant in 2010 as it was in Jesus’ time.

The Roman Catholic Church has built a beautiful chapel near where Jesus preached the beatitude. The 8 ‘blessed are’s’ are engraved at the top of an ornate octagonal roof. The flowers and landscaping are beautiful. I believe beauty is a gift from God and He deserves our excellence, he deserves for us to put forth effort to attempt to express His glory.

Soon after viewing the grounds and reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount we drove to lunch. This restaurant serves what they call “St. Peter’s Fish”. While in the bathroom stall I heard someone talking. When I came out I realized in was 2 people from our group praying (Sara and Jill). Not sure what to do I simply closed my eyes and began to pray for them. Soon 2 others that had been in stalls also, joined me, so here we were in a small little bathroom, (not the nicest one I had been in) praying.

After viewing the opulence of the chapel only minutes earlier I was struck by how wonderful it is that God is everywhere. He hears us whether we are in a lovely chapel or a simple bathroom. I would guess He smiles at our effort toward beauty to bring Him glory, but I imagine He loves even more our hearts turning toward Him in honest prayer- even in dingy bathrooms (perhaps especially in them).

Jordan river
“Shall we gather at the river? The beautiful the wonderful river? Gather with the saints at the river…” That’s all I can remember from an old hymn we used to sing at baptisms when I was a child. As we gathered at the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, I thought about the dove descending and God proclaiming- “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” Questions were asked: Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a man but that he was messiah, the son of God? Do you believe that he died on a cross for your sins, was buried, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is coming back again? Do you confess him as your Lord and personal Savior? Will you attempt to live your life to the best of your ability to serve and honor God?

The questions varied in verbiage but the basic gist was the same. Is this what you believe? It was powerful as we collectively prayed over each individual. It was filled with smiles, tears, passion, and joy. Representing an acceptance of a new life in Christ, a washing away of sins, a commitment to newness in Christ. A time set aside to proclaim, YES this is what I believe, that is powerful no matter where it happens, no matter what water is used. But how cool it was to look up into those clouds knowing that God spoke to Jesus somewhere in that vicinity, and because of Jesus, God can be well pleased with us as well.