In the midst of chaos

The disciples are exhausted, and they’re scared. They have been rowing for hours, and they’re getting nowhere. The waves are threatening their boat.

And they’re on the sea. The place of chaos. The place of evil and dark spirits and fear. Jesus made them get into this boat. Where is he?

Maybe they don’t recognise their master because the Jesus who sent them onto the sea was weary, haggard and running on empty. The One who walks to them on the water is serene, balanced, and empowered. His prayer time up the mountain has re-energised and encouraged him. Or perhaps, despite his recent feeding of over 5000, the disciples still don’t believe that their teacher can walk on water.

Over their cries, Jesus calls to them, ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear’. Matthew’s Jewish readers would instantly hear echoes of God’s words to Moses. Jesus’ words could be translated, ‘Take heart, I AM; don’t be afraid’.

I AM.

In Matthew’s Gospel, this story is meant to reveal who Jesus is. But that revelation is only possible in the midst of the chaos. If the disciples had not embarked on this frightening journey onto the Sea of Galilee, they would have missed the opportunity to see God revealed in their midst.

All around us, we can see chaos. We must confront the dangerous and deadly forces all around us. But in the midst of our fear, a voice speaks. ‘Take heart, I AM; don’t be afraid.’

Lord Jesus, wave walker: You come to us in our panic and our stress. Remind us that you are God, and you are for us. Take away our fear and help us to trust in you. Amen.