What If We All Walked on Water?
This coming Sunday (Nov. 16) I want to dig a little deeper into the idea that we really can live as Jesus lived.
Is that true?
If so, then can we ... heal the sick? Multiply food? Walk on water? Here's what I'm thinking so far.
I'm going to key on Peter's experience in the Miraculous Catch (see Luke 5:1-7)and look at the incredible result of Peter saying "Because you say so" to Jesus. I hope to challenge peope to seek God’s vision for specific ways in which they can bring peace, justice, and healing to the world.
Imagine what the world would be like if we all walked on water--that is, if we all believed the God really would do anything through us. I think the reason we don’t do accomplish more is not because we lack power; it’s because we lack faith.
Jesus prayed “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He intended that his followers would transform the world through the power of God. Yet our lives often seem powerless, mired in personal issues, family problems, and social problems.
It doesn’t have to be that way. We really can change the world ... if we trust God.
What do you think?
Is this idea on target? Is it faithful to the text?
What could happen in our lives (think suburbia) if we believed this way?
What's the biggest problem that Christians are doing nothing about?
Where does the power to change come from in the Christian life? Continue Reading >
6 Comments:
I believe it is faithful to the text. We have anemia spiritually because we don't trust God for unexplainable things. We prefer to manage God in ways that make sense to us, which puts us in the driver's seat. To live a life of faith is to surrender our preconceived notions of what could happen, letting God do His big wowing stuff through us.
Deacon: My thoughts on preaching: Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna
I see where you going with this - good thoughts. I'd throw the story of the Loaves and Fishes in with this concept.
Combining this with the story Miraculous Catch will only solidify the idea that Christ calls us to give our all - not what we can - but what we will - to the impossible.
I'd finish it out with a reference to Mark 6:52 and say that even though the disciples were there and saw the miraculous catch, they saw miracle of the loaves, they saw Jesus walking on the water in the midst of a storm - they still didn't get it.
Then I'd ask the question - so what are the faith issues that are happening all around you that you just don't get because you're not willing to walk on water?
That's my thoughts!
Oh, yes, it is most certainly true to scripture. If Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son,” then it is there in the Bible, in red, for us to believe and to do. Just think how glorified the Father would be if we all truly believed and acted accordingly. The power and strength are ours yet they lie dormant for lack of belief. Oh, how we could change the world for the Lord if we only lacked self-consciousness!
At the risk of being obvious, it was a 'net' they used to catch fish. They fished together, collaboratively. And any fisherman will tell you, fishing in the right place is a key. Go where the fish are concentrated, and where they're hungry.
Our prisons are packed, cell to cell.
Our inner cities are dense, too. And hungry.
Suburbia? Not so much.
Thanks to all who shared ideas (also on Facebook). I was able to incorporate several of your thoughts. Look forward to hearing from you again in the coming weeks :-)
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