Collect for Trinity 10
Romans 11: 26-39
11The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Romans 11: 26-39
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
Reflection
They were far from land. The wind was against them. And as if that wasn’t scary enough, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. They aren’t sure if they are really seeing Jesus or some sort of apparition. Peter decides to test what he sees, and Jesus commands him with authority – ‘Come’. And Peter does – at least for a few steps, then as he realises what he is doing, his faith deserts him and he starts to sink. He cries out in fear to Jesus – and is lifted up to safety. Jesus offers a (mild) rebuke as the wind ceases and the sun comes out. In the face of clear evidence, the disciples in the boat proclaim Jesus as the Christ – any past doubt is left behind.
Now read the story again, but substitute your own name instead of Peter. You often feel that the call to live the Christian life is too challenging. You pray, and (provided you listen) you hear God’s answer. You resolve to stride out in faith but your initial confidence starts to weaken as you realise what you’re doing. You feel that you have bitten off more than you can chew and you cry out for help as you start to sink. But instead of drowning you are picked up by the scruff of your neck, and hear Jesus telling you to get out of the boat again, but next time be aware that He is walking alongside.
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering. But if we’re afraid of risking our beautiful feet getting wet, and hoping someone else will, there’s no point in us praying ‘Thy Kingdom come’ – ‘cos it won’t.
Praying Together 14th July 2024
If there is no laughter, Jesus has gone somewhere else. If there is no joy and freedom, it is not a church.
Praying Together 7th July 2024
Be blessed to (and be prepared for) whatever you are called this day, in His name, however unexpected!
Praying Together 30th June 2024
Jesus’ healing is a signpost pointing to the culmination of His divine mission, that encompasses His suffering and torture, His death, His triumph over sin through His cross, and the defeat of evil in His resurrection.
Praying Together 23rd June 2024
It wasn’t only the wind and sea that will obey Him – the whole of heaven and earth will kneel before Him as Lord.
Praying Together 16th June 2024
The stories used by Jesus to explain the Kingdom of heaven – the ‘parables’ – offer understandable truth to all of them whoever they may be– and through many generations, to us.
Praying Together 9th June 2024
If we just give in and believe that there is nothing we can do to bring about such a change, the dream will never come true. So let’s not.
Praying Together 2nd June 2024
You may remember the song: ‘It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it, that’s what gets results.’ Catchy tune, catchy title. But wrong. Actually, it’s the other way round – ‘It ain’t the way that you do it, it’s what you do…’
Praying Together 19th May 2024
By the power of the same Spirit strengthen us to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Praying Together 12th May 2024
But in Christ, a much more reliable ‘Truth’ can be found. Truth in the ‘Logos’ – the Word. The Word made flesh.
Praying Together 5th May 2024
Collect for Easter 6 God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: Grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; through...
Praying Together 28th April 2024
‘If you love God, then you love your brothers and sisters’. You cannot have one without the other. If you do not love your brother and your sister, you cannot claim that you love God. No exclusions.
Praying Together 21st April 2024
There is only one leader who invites us to follow of whom we can be sure – the one who is prepared to lay down His life.