Walking On WaterSample

Reigning in Life

In February 2017, over 400 whales were stranded on a New Zealand beach. It’s tragic to see these magnificent creatures lying helpless and dying on the sand. Scientists have advanced over 200 separate theories about why they beach without coming to a definitive answer. Some say that underwater earthquakes damage the whales’ ability to navigate, some that the whales are confused by the sonar of military submarines; others point to sunspot activity, magnetic-field activity, oil industry air guns, and so on. There is one especially simple theory though. Some suggest that the pod of whales was chasing a school of sardines, a favourite food. Naturally, the sardines can manoeuvre in shallow water, whereas the whales find themselves drawn in too close and are left at the mercy of the tide, which washes them onto the beach.

It would only compound the tragedy of their deaths if it transpired that they died because they were chasing tiny fish, like sardines. Like them, you and I were made for greater things. We have a dignity and place in God’s purposes that is breathtaking. We are called to “reign with him in life” (Romans 5:17). We are now his stewards and heirs of eternal life. And we’re charged with declaring and demonstrating his kingdom to all people. Let’s not waste our lives chasing after smaller things, especially when there’s so much more of God that we could discover. Jesus is always going to the last, the least and the lost, and calls us to join him.

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.” (John 12:26)

That is an adventure that few of us have yet to discover. One of the most popular Christian songs of recent years is Hillsong United’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”. The opening words, “You call me out upon the water…”, place us right in Peter’s situation. I believe that, in part, that song’s popularity stems from capturing a deep desire within the heart of every believer for that intimacy with Jesus that is found only outside the boat.

He is calling us out upon the water. Know that he is faithful and able, and look for him to lead you. We will discover more of him outside the boat than we ever did within it.