LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Very Close to the Lord
"Then Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28).
The story of the Lord's disciples suffering the dangers of a heavy storm on the Sea of Galilee is well known. The boat was buffeted by very strong winds and raging waves.
The Lord was not traveling with them on that occasion, but he appeared to them walking in the midst of the sea, encouraging them and telling them not to be afraid (the same thing he continues to do to this day with all his servants: accompanying them in their tribulations, encouraging them and giving them courage in the midst of all their fears).
It was then that Peter, seeing him walking on the sea, said to him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." Many biblical commentators and expositors have historically agreed in their assessments. "That request was due to Peter's impulsive character; he always stood out in the midst of his group because of his temperament and, on this occasion, he was excited by the idea of being able to walk on the sea."
Perhaps that argument is valid, but I think of another possibility, another cause for such a request: Peter did not make it simply because he experienced supernatural power or was able to do something that no one, only God, could do; neither did he make it because of his impulsive character. Perhaps Peter was really so afraid that he wanted with all his heart to be close to the Lord, knowing that close to Him he would be safe, secure. He said to him, "Command," that is, "You do it." "You give the command." Nor was there any pride in his request, for he recognized that all power could only come from his Master.
Thus, in spite of his lack of faith, Peter teaches us how close to the Lord we are to stay in our times of tribulation. He had learned to stand by His side in times of peace, now he wanted to be equally close; that was his place.
"Lord, help me to stay close to you always. I want to come to you on the waters, in spite of all my troubles, above them all." (José R. Frontado).