About The Fourth Watch of the Night

Day 13

⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶ After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. ⁴⁷ Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. - Mark 6:45-51

The Perspective of a Disciple: I dont think anyone would react different from how they reacted. It was an unnatural, odd sighting; seeing a human figure on wanter. It just doesn't make sense. Living in a world where everything is defined, the norms, and right, the wrong, its difficult for us to see things in a new light, but God does exactly that, works differently, to help us see differently.

The Perspective of Peter (Matthew 14:28-31): I think Peter has such great faith in the beginning, telling Jesus if it was really him, to have him walk on water to him. And he did, but he suddenly starts sinking due to doubt. I think I often can say things easily, and i know the "right" thing to say, but when it comes to applying it, it doesnt happen. For instance, I always knew the importance of surrendering all things to God for his glory, but I didnt learn the truth in that statement until two weeks ago with my job situation.

This passage is a good reminder to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk. Living for God is not a half a job, you have to do all of it, believe and obey. Let us live out our faith by both word and deed.

My Prayer: Lord, test and remind us of our faith. Help us realize that saying it isn't enough, but to fully apply it and to let it embody ourselves. May we be strengthened by your word, and be transformed by you life. Help us strive to live faithfully and fully dependent on you, knowing we cannot do all things solely by self-efforts. Amen.