oceans

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) Of course I want Christ to remain in me wherever I go, but do I want to remain in Christ wherever He goes?

Though He only lived in Israel (and Egypt for a short time), Jesus climbed mountains, entered valleys, and walked on water. He entered the homes of the poor, the wealthy, the respected, and the despised. He ate with sinners, talked with the lonely, answered his critics, and told stories to the crowds. Jesus welcomed children, touched the sick, and comforted those who experienced loss. He taught in the synagogues of small towns and in Jerusalem’s holy Temple. He brought deliverance to the demon possessed, gave sight to the blind, and fed the hungry. Where was Christ not willing to go?

I want to go to the same places and do the same things, but dare I? I know my weaknesses, my fears, and my limitations… how can I even think boldly? The Master says, “My grace is sufficient for you,” and such grace is found only in Jesus. Andrew Murray wrote, “With this grace secured, we have strength for every duty, courage for every struggle, a blessing in every cross, and the joy of life eternal in death itself.”

My favorite song at the recent Passion Conference was sung by Hillsong United, a group from Australia. Oceans communicates a message and a prayer. Here are the lyrics:

You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown, where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep, my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your Name, and keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters, Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

So I will call upon Your Name, and keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior

(©2012 Hillsong Music Publishing)

“‘Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:28-31

(Quote taken from Abide in Christ, by Andrew Murray, published in 1985 by Barbour and Company, Inc., p. 21)