Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Jan. 3, 2012

Daily Ornament!
Day Ten of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.,br /> The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. – John 6:16-24

In the song, The “Twelve Days of Christmas,” what do the “Ten Lord’s a-Leapeng?’” represent? (This should actually be an easy one!) As with the past couple of days, the answer will be in tomorrow’s message. Here is today’s message.
One of the things I truly love about this passage is not Jesus’ ability to walk on the water, but more His ability to calm His disciples in the midst of their fear! I am drawn to something that Isaiah had written some 800 years before—again, to a people facing some very difficult times.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

I don’t remember ever having met a truly fearless man or woman. Some came close, but not quite. Being fearless allows for little wiggle-room. You either are, or you are not…fearless. It’s a little like being sinless or guiltless. You either are, or you are not. I don’t remember ever having met anyone who clearly fell into either of those categories, either. But this devotional is not about sin or guilt; it is about fear.
What did Isaiah have in mind when he wrote those inspired words: “So do not fear…do not be dismayed”? Was he speaking figuratively or of a standard too high for us to seek? Neither. He was speaking of a standard too high for us to attain on our own.
Isaiah’s point was not just about us. Isaiah’s point was about God! Isaiah had a vision of God that was superlative. He saw the Lord God Almighty as One “seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple” (6:1). Isaiah spoke of a powerful, everlasting, eternal Father who keeps his promises to his children—a Father who saves and keeps and protects. This is the God who repeats his admonition in 43:5: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you!”