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Last week, we read Chapter 6 of Mark, and Chapter 6 of John. The Holy Bible tells that Jesus had compassion on a large crowd because they were exhausted and collapsed like sheep without a shepherd. Sheep without a shepherd symbolizes sheep without Jesus. The LORD Jesus saw poor people who were without help, food, care, guide, and He had a deep compassion on a crowd. As I said last time, all human beings are really hungry. They all want a REJOICE and a peace in mind. They should be united with Jesus. The verses we read last week tell us that five thousand people came to Jesus, ate and were satisfied. This is a miracle. But, it is also true that people were filled their hunger after they went to Jesus. He holds a sufficient REJOICE and a perfect satisfaction. No matter what you do by your own power, you will never achieve a peace. If you try to be a righteous man by yourself, you will be more and more hypocritical. A true happiness filled with a constant REJOICE is provided only through an encounter and a fellowship with the LORD Jesus. All human beings are not only hungry, but also lone. The title of this message, "Come to me", is also a call from Jesus. Matthew, 14:29
How can we reach out to a close fellowship and connection with Jesus, our savior, liberator, comforter? I would like to think about this question with you. Because, only Jesus promised as this, John, 6:35
What a large number of people knew the truth of these words through their experience! In spite of their weakness, disappointment, depression, isolation, now they are with new power, courage, a purpose of their lives. Jesus calls today too, "Come. Come to me. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Jesus wants to have a fellowship with us. He created the world, visible things, and invisible things, and every thing. But He laments over us, human beings. Actually, Jesus have only one desire to have a fellowship with you. Do you have the same desire? You may asnwer, "Of course." But are you really sure? As written in verse 29, Peter had this desire. It is written that Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water toward Jesus. He had no intention to examine his faith, that is, he didn't try to see if he can walk on the water. His desire from the bottom of his heart was to come close to Jesus. Brothers and sisters I love, our constant desire should be to know Him better and better. "LORD Jesus, please let me unit with you tightly and friendly." I suppose that other disciples thought, "What's Peter going to do? Why not staying on a boat? He always does strange things. Why is he entering the water?" Peter just wanted to be close to Jesus. A desire to approach to Jesus filled his mind. "I want to be much nearer to Jesus. I want to have closer fellowship with my savior." Peter didn't look back, nor care about what John and James think. He didn't ask them whether this is good or bad. He just stared Jesus. If we look at people around us, we will never progress. Our wish should be getting close to Jesus. If you are a child of the God, you will want to know Jesus better. If you know Jesus, you will have further desire to Jesus. Because He also has a desire to you. However, how can we reach to a close fellowship and connection with our savior? The first answer is, "by Jesus' revelation." The disciples went out because Jesus said to them, "Go on to the other side of the lake." In a while, a strong storm came, and a wind was against them. Jesus made them get on board a boat, and leave a shore. But they are now in a hopeless situation. You may also have troubles on your way, even if you are under Jesus' order, "Go there." As for the disciples, they had. But, He always looked at a destination clearly. He revealed Himself to disciples, and through it He wanted to have a close fellowship with them. He saw His disciples are in trouble, but He didn't approach them immediately. Jesus wanted to have a close fellowship with them, but it was too early to do it. You may have problems and no way out. Please be aware that Jesus knows your sufferings, even thought you haven't heard answers to your prayers. At evening, Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray and talk with His Father. At dawn, about four AM, He went to disciples who were under troubles so long. But they were frightened, and screamed out in horror. Of course they were not cowardly men, but strong fishermen. However it was a scene they have never seen that someone's walking on the water. They thought he must be a ghost. How can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? It is possible only by His revelation in our troubles in daily life. The disciples were made go on to the other side of the lake at midnight by Jesus. They were left alone in the midst of a storm. This was His divine guidance, He revealed Himself in this difficulty. But they screamed out in horror, because they didn't yet know this was His guidance to lead them to a close fellowship with Jesus. Perhaps, you may have questions such as, "Why can't I have a pleasant job? Why don't I have good parents? Why is my home so dismal? Why am I not healthy? Why am I always in troubles? Why do many worries fall on me, not anyone else?" It is because the LORD Jesus wants to have a close fellowship with you. Thus He guided you into troubles, you may not know this. But please believe it. The second answer to a question, how we can reach to a close fellowship and connection with our savior, is "by Jesus' words" He said, Matthew, 14:27
He says it to you, too. He is going to reveal Himself by His words. You shouldn't blame your problems on other people, nor an environment, even if you don't understand how the God guide us, because you are a child of the God. Jesus doesn't drive you away into dangers. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Have you ever heard His words, "It is I."? He revealed Himself to the disciples. He was there in totally different form. Thus they were surprised and screamed in horror. It was His revelation, but they thought it was a ghost. I suppose we often respond like the disciples. Listen carefully to His words to you, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Here I have a booklet, or a tract written in Germany. I read this at a home gathering held at a sister's home. The title is "This is from me". My child, have you ever thought of what burdens you? Let's learn what's written in this booklet uniting our heart, that is to see Jesus behind everything around you. Troubles don't belong to an environment, people around you, nor yourself. The LORD speak to you "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." How can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? It is possible only by His revelation in our troubles in daily life. The LORD Jesus revealed Himself in a guidance beyond comprehension during a storm and sufferings. But the disciples couldn't recognize Him, and screamed. How often we scream by taking care of only ourselves, and thinking about other people, environment, our troubles! The troubles don't belong you. Behind them He stands. Please believe it. Also He revealed Himself to the disciples by His words. When they heard His voice, they could recognized a man whom they thought to be a ghost as Jesus. Do you recognize Him even if you are in dismal life, and in troubles? It's Him. The disciples heard Jesus said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." It was a familiar voice to them. They were relieved, knowing it's their master. The Holy Bible tells Jesus is authorized to bring a nature under His control, that is He walked on the lake. Of course, today there is a movement that adds a question mark to His words, and denies this truth, more over criticizes it. However those who really knows Him through their experience are firmly convinced without doubt that the omniscient and omnipotent God has an authority to accomplish it. It has already been prophesied in the Old Testament about a Messiah who is coming, and His reigns and authorities. Isaiah, 9:6
It is written that a promised messiah is not only a child, but also a Mighty God. In the Gospels, it is frequently written like this, "The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'" As He is called a Mighty God, there's no wonder He controls a natural phenomenon, makes a lake calm down, and walks on a lake. For Him, letting a water and a wind settle was nothing. Because He did much greater thing. For example, forgiving a sin, rising by Himself, giving an eternal life. The Holy Bible tells Ephesians, 1:22
and, also 1 Peter, 3:22
The LORD Jesus not only holds an authority to let a nature obey, but also gives us a wonderful comfort. You will know it by a booklet we read today. "It is I. This is from me. Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." These words aren't told to ease your mind. Be aware that behind them the omnipotent LORD stands. Do we really rely on the LORD? Please just gaze up at the LORD, looking away from fears, anxieties, worries in your sight. We should put His words first other than looking at ourselves, looking at others, or taking much of our emotion, thinking, will. Isaiah, 41:10
Isaiah, 41:13
Why did the LORD say so? Why did Jesus say to the disciples, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."? The answer is written in John. John, 16:33
Actually, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples, as one who holds an authority to control a nature, and give a wonderful comfort. How can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? The Holy Bible tells it is possible by our response to His revelation. Matthew, 14:27
Jesus said this to all disciples, thus a plural pronoun is used. He revealed Himself to all disciples. But only Peter responded. Matthew, 14:28
When the LORD reveals Himself to us, saying "It is I.", He urges our decision. John didn't respond Him, nor Philip, nor James. Only Peter responded. Matthew, 14:28
Peter said to himself, "When He reveals Himself, it isn't for His own sake, but for me." Brothers and sisters I love, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth, the life and the light, and the bread." This is His own revelation. What is our response against His revelation? Do you decide like Peter? Even if you don't know anything about the Holy Bible, you can pray. "The LORD, are you the way to the Father, the way to the freedom, REJOICE, and redemption of sin? If it's so, tell me to come to you. The LORD, are you the way to the cordial peace? If it's so, tell me to come to you. The LORD, are you the light? If it's so, tell me to come to you. Please turn the darkness into the light. The LORD, are you the life? If it's so, tell me to come to you. Please give me an eternal life. The LORD, are you the truth? If it's so, let me come to you. Tell me to come to you. Please show your truth to me." Jesus revealed Himself to you. He said to you, "It is I." Are you going to respond it? Jesus waits for your response. Today, ask it to yourself putting your hand over your heart. When did we respond to His revelation? If you aren't born again, it means you haven't responded Him yet. The God put His loving child, Jesus Christ, to death to save you. Jesus shed His blood to bear your sin. Have you ever responded it? If not, it means you have been committing the biggest sin. You will be eternally collapsed by you own sin, will not have a REJOICE, nor a peace. The God's wrath will remain on you until you respond it "The LORD, if you died for me, let me come to you. Tell me to come to you. The LORD, if you died for me, give me a confidence of a redemption of my sin. The LORD, if you died for me, give me a new life." Why not respond Him like this way, today? Why was Paul, who wrote most of letters in the New Testament, changed to believe Jesus? Why did he become a priest? It was by His revelation. He wrote in his letters, Galatians, 1:12
and also, Galatians, 1:15-16
Paul responded to His revelation too. Acts, 26:19
How can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? It is possible by our response to His revelation. If you believe in Him, you may have often responded to His revelations. But, when you look back you life, don't you get ashamed of yourself? Jesus revealed Himself many times in a guidance during your troubles. But we didn't respond it. We had a disobedience, a self-love, our will, our own plans, and we cast away, trampled His love. How can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? The third answer is, by His call. Peter had to wait for His call, and He called only Peter. Why? Because only Peter responded to His revelation. Unless we respond to His revelation, we will loose a precious grace. Of course we want to walk within a faith, but don't forget there must be His voice ahead of our steps saying, "Come to me." Matthew, 14:29
If John and James tried to do what Peter did because Peter could do it, what do you think happened? I don't want to even imagine the result. Only Peter was called by Jesus, "Come." Did He reveal Himself to you? Did you respond it? Matthew, 14:28
Peter had to wait for His call, "Come." We also have to wait for His call, and when you once hear His call, it's your time to do it. It's your chance. Don't look around others, and don't look back. By the way, Jesus said to Peter, "Come.", then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water. It was not the water that lifted him on the water, but His words. When you hear His call, "Come.", it is important not to experiment, but to believe His words. Don't hesitate, don't wait, don't look back, don't worry about your environment. Just gaze Him up and don't take notice of others. Brothers and sisters, a live fellowship with our savior is the most important. It must be above anything else. Peter got down out of the boat, because he wanted to come to Him, and by His words he was walked on the water. Just before that, he was annoyed by the waves, and rolled around the same place again and again, but hes walked on the water by His words. He just looked at Jesus. Finally, how can we approach to a close fellowship with Jesus? The fourth answer is, by an obedience in a faith. But it requires us to pass through the water, that is to penetrate attacks and hostilities. There's no wonder enemies attack us, the devils didn't want Peter come to Jesus, thus a storm came. I want to quote 3 parts regarding a storm. Job, 1:19
A mighty wind killed 7 sons and 3 daughters of Job all at once. We know this mighty wind is the devil's work, and also it happened under a permission of the LORD. The devils can't do their will. Even devils are used only to accomplish the purpose of the God. The LORD sitting on the throne controls all. By this mighty wind, Job lost his wealth, properties, honor, position, and more over, children, friends, and his wife as his right hand. However, through bitterness, he could know the LORD and himself better than ever. The result of an incredible burden was confessed by Job, Job, 42:5-6
and, Job, 42:10
When the LORD takes something away from us, we should know, even though we may not be able to understand the reason, lately we will be given much, much more than we had. The second storm is written in Jonah. Jonah, 1:4
Here, a cause of a storm was the LORD, Himself. The storm distressed people so much. Jonah, 1:5
The purpose of the LORD was to bring Jonah, the prophet, back again, who turned away from Him intentionally. Today, there are a lot of believers running away from the God. There troubles are not necessarily judges, but means to bring them back to Him. Fortunately Jonah could come back to Him again, and the Gospel he preached lead thousands of people to a salvation. The third storm is written in Chapter 27 of Acts. Paul completed his religious life through many storms, and these troubles helped his growth. You will clearly grasp what a storm he experienced was like, if you read Chapter 11, Verse 23 to 28, in 2 Corinthians. He could say after a lot of storms, For me this world has died, and also for this world I have died. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. He was caught in a mighty storm, as written in Chapter 27 of Acts. The storm continued raging for days, so they finally gave up all hope of being saved. During the storm, 276 people were left hopelessly, and for 14 days, they drifted about in the dark without any meals. In this desperate situation, Paul, a prisoner, stood still gazing it without a fear, nor an anxiety, and said. Acts, 27:22, 34
Paul could have a perfect confidence by totally relying on Him. The LORD wants us too, like Paul, to stand still beyond all troubles and burdens. How can we know the LORD better? The answer is, through a mighty storm, trouble and burdens. If you have a yearning to have a close fellowship with Jesus, there will be storms, attacks and hostilities. Back to the Chapter 14 of Matthew, the Holy Bible tells a lot more about Peter, that is, he is not a superman. When he saw the wind, he was beginning to sink. He diverted his attention. He didn't look at only Jesus. If we reflect on an environment, people around us, and ourselves, an ascending force of His words will vanish, and you will begin to sink. A way apart from His words leads to attacks, but a way obedient His words leads to His hands. If we start something in an obedience in a faith, the result will be necessarily in His hands, even though things don't go as you think on your way. If you are obedient to His call "Come.", the result will be in His strong arms. Matthew, 14:31
Naturally, Peter was to be punished, sinking beneath the waves, but He didn't permit it. He doesn't permit you to be sank, and drowned, for His own sake, because His honor depends on it. He can't let you sink, because He said to you, "Come." But, He had to add another word, Matthew, 14:31
Jesus didn't say, "Your faith is strong. Be as your will." He had to admonish Peter, and after that He reached out his hand. If He reaches out His hand, it is a hand to give a judge to problems, a hand of savior to give us a salvation. He had to get Peter back, caught him up above the waves and move him into a firm place, that is, within His words. Matthew, 14:31
There are things you can't do as your will. Don't look around, but look at only Jesus. Brothers and sisters, a close fellowship is not only what we seek, but also what He seeks. Jesus revealed Himself to you. It's your turn to decide. Matthew, 14:28
Wait until He calls you, "Come." But once He calls you, don't hesitate, don't look at other people, waves, troubles. Just gaze at Jesus. |