John 6:21 “Then they were willing to take Him (Jesus) into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (NIV)
Jesus approached His disciples’ boat by walking on the water. Jesus’ disciples reacted in terror not knowing what to think or who was approaching the boat. Jesus identified Himself and assured them, and they let Jesus into the boat. This passage can easily represent your life as a disciple of Christ. How often are you afraid of following Jesus and His ways? Paralyzed in acting for fear it may radically affect your life or place you contrary to the world’s thinking? John 12:43 “For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” (NIV) These type of decisions can easily stir fear in your heart: Is Jesus real? Is there really a God who actively works in your life according to His plan? Is there an eternal heaven that overshadows the things of this world? These thoughts can be endless, but notice what brought peace and confidence – Jesus’ voice! John 6:20 “But He said to them, ‘It is I; don't be afraid.’" (NIV) You can stand on the sidelines parsing faith, but there is nothing more important than hearing Jesus’ voice. John 17:24a “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory.” (NIV) It was not until they heard Jesus that they let Him into the boat. Is Jesus outside of the boat of your life waiting to come in? If Jesus is, it is quite probable that you are not walking in an intimate, daily relationship with Him that allows you to not only hear Him, but to also have the assurance to invite Him into the boat! I pray that you never hesitate in letting Jesus take the throne of your life, because you will be missing what He has for you – “immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” The disciples moved from fear…to hearing…to responding…to reaching their destination. How often do you miss your destination because you are not spending time with God, hearing, and responding, so that He can get into your boat to take charge and take you to your destination? Everything that will happen in your Christian life will flow out of the intimacy of your relationship with Jesus. Know Jesus, hear Jesus, respond to Jesus, allow Jesus to take charge, so that you get to your destination!
Rev 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” (NIV)