Daily Encouragementنموونە

The disciples had set off across the lake at the Lord’s command. That shows us that obeying him does not mean we shall avoid strong winds and rough waters. Then in the midst of the storm they saw him “walking on the water” and heard his words, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

The whole incident is full of drama and high emotion. The background is Jesus’ refusal to accede to the intention of the crowd “to come and make him king by force” (verse 15). Their motive, put in a word, was “food,” as Jesus reminded them forcibly later on (verse 26).

The disciples must have felt that Jesus had missed his chance. The storm would have erased their disappointment for a moment; the Lord “walking on the water” and his “Fear not” should have done it forever! Campbell Morgan puts it well: “It was as though He had said, I have refused to be crowned king upon the basis of bread, but make no mistake, I am king in every realm; king in the realm of Nature, contrary winds cannot hinder Me; the tossing sea cannot overwhelm Me. I am king.”

No man can make Jesus king - he is king already. But we need to understand what king of king he is.