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Scripture Reflections To view previous Scripture Reflections, click here.
TRUSTING GOD IN LEAN TIMES & IN DEEP WATERS We often find ourselves in deep waters as we wrestle with our fears, doubts, wonderings, and life situations which test our faith and trust in God’s goodness. We may feel that we are going to drown in the turbulent waters of life during those lean times. THE LEAN TIMES/DEEP WATERS IN THE LIFE OF JOSEPH Joseph (Genesis 37) finds himself cast into a pit by his own brothers/step-brothers and is sold by these same brothers into slavery in Egypt. Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob (Israel), must have wrestled with his feelings of anger and helplessness. However, Joseph in Egypt becomes a blessing to his family years later during a time of drought. Joseph wrestled with his situation and ended up becoming almost the Prime Minister of Egypt. His dealing with his lean times as he trusted in God led to his becoming a blessing for his family in their lean times. THE LEAN TIMES/DEEP WATERS IN THE LIFE OF PAUL Paul frequently found himself in deep waters as he dealt with the several churches he served and had founded. In his letter to the Romans (10: 5-15) he wrestles with the need for missionaries to take the Good News to the several church communities. How can people believe, if they have not heard the Good News? Yet, Paul, throughout his letter to the Roman Church, has expressed his faith that nothing can separate us from the love of God for “in whatever crisis or issue we face in life, in whatever trouble may come our way, the power of God’s love will provide what we need. From the midst of the Body of Christ, God will lift up the resources to accomplish his loving purposes, because God is good: All the time.” ( The Rev. Ken Kesselus) {Romans 8:26-39, Epistle for July 27, 2008) That was Paul’s faith! THE DEEP WATERS/LEAN TIMES OF JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES Frequently, God calls us into the tumult – into the deep waters of questioning and moving beyond our boundaries. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has called upon the Disciples to feed his sheep even though food is scarce. They only have a couple of loaves and a few measly fish, they cry. ( Matthew 13). The disciples are prone to avoid such deep waters, for they (the church) often felt they were inadequate to the task. They felt that their resources were very paltry. Indeed, in today’s Gospel Lesson (Matthew 14:22-33), Jesus calls the disciples (and us ) into the deep waters into the tumult. Jesus calls Peter to get out of the boat and to come to him on the deep waters! “And the good news is that when Peter ventured forth, even though the going was rough, even though he almost sank and perished, Jesus reached out his hand and he caught him, just at the right moment. He helped Peter back into the boat. He stilled the wind and the waves, and Peter was saved. But if Peter had not ventured forth, had not obeyed the call to walk on the water, then Peter would never have had this great opportunity for recognition of Jesus and rescue by Jesus. “ (Rev. Will Wilimon) Rev’d Anthony Robinson comments: “Give what you have to Jesus. Place it in his service. He will bless it and break it and make it enough, and more than enough--note the left-overs. Where Jesus is, there is abundance. But there's a hitch. We aren't just by-standers. We are participants in the miracle. No participation, no miracle. Don't just wait for the miracle, participate in one instead! “(Anthony Robinson) When we have a sense of Jesus’ real presence in the boat or in their company, storms of anxiety and lostness become calm. ”In every situation in life, God’s power works toward lifting up whatever promotes love in that situation. Wherever there is injustice or pain or grief or hardship or hunger, God is there, for God is good: All the time.” (Dan Clendinen) Gospel Matthew, Chapter 14, Verses 22-33 1. What caused Peter to sink after he started walking toward Jesus? What causes you to cancel your “leap of faith”? 2. What do you think would have helped Peter stay afloat? What might help you? By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
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