Matthew 14:28-33 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.… He failed in the midst of success. It is difficult to carry a full cup, or walk upon the high places of the earth. It is more difficult to walk erect, and firm, and far among the tossing waves of adversity. The movement of Peter at the outset was grandly courageous. How truly the other disciples would gaze upon him with admiration! He stepped over the little boat; placed his foot upon the rising billow; walked step after step with perfect safety. It was a great moment in the man's life; but it was a greatness for which the man was not equal. His nerve was too weak to carry the full cup, or bear the heavy burden, or tread the stormy water. He failed in the hour of triumph, and lost all by not looking to Jesus. The word is very touching. "When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid." There was the defect. He looked to the raging winds and the surging waters. He looked to the danger, and not to the Saviour. He forgot the power of Christ, and trusting to himself, and trembling like a breaking wave beneath the boisterous wind, he began to sink. The work was done, and the lesson learned, with great rapidity. His faith, and courage, and devotion, were not so great as he imagined. He discovered his helplessness, and prayed for safety. "Lord save me;" and now the daring man was brought to regard the Lord's band as the fountain of spiritual strength. (P. Thompson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.WEB: Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." |
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