2 August 2023 - Fear not, I am with you

Only a few hours before Peter walked on water, the disciples witnessed how Jesus fed the more than 5000 people. The disciples’ faith must have been at an all-time high, observing how a few loaves of bread and fish feed the large crowd.

Matthew 14:21-23(NLT) About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

The disciples were experienced fishermen, and storms in this area were common. The sea had claimed many lives, and it wasn’t something to be messed with.

While they were in the storm, Jesus walked toward them, but they did not recognise him. They thought it was a ghost, and by the way, no one had ever seen someone walk on water.

Matthew 14:25-26(NLT) About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

At this point, the disciples were overwhelmed with fear; it was dark, there were violent waves, strong winds and a ghost coming to them. What else could go wrong! Then Jesus called out to them.

Matthew 14:27(NLT) But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

The Weymouth translation says, Matthew 14:27(WNT) But instantly Jesus spoke to them, and said, "There is no danger; it is I; do not be afraid."

The words, It is I, have a similar meaning to the words of God to Moses when they met at the burning bush. God called himself, I am.

When used as a stand-alone description, I AM is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence. God promises that He will be what He will be; that is, He will be the eternally constant God.

When God identifies Himself as I AM WHO I AM, He states that no matter when or where He is there. He is in our darkness, storms and fears.

God is the only One who can truthfully describe Himself as I AM. Jesus claimed the title, I AM for Himself in John 8:58(ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

God is who He is: He is eternally God, sovereign, unchangeable in his being, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and completely sufficient in and of himself. He can and will do all He pleases in the earth.

Jesus has worked, is working, and will continue to work to bring his will to our lives.

Isaiah 41:10(ESV) fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.