One of my all time favorite authors is Rev. William Barclay, who has written daily Bible studies on different books of the Bible. Today for my devotional I decided to read from one of his books that focuses mainly on the book of John. I read from John 6:16-21 and the topic was A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE,..
John 6:16-21
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and, when they had embarked upon the boat, they started across the sea to Capernaum. By this time darkness had come on, and Jesus had not yet come to them; and the sea was roused because a great wind blowing. So, when they had rowed between three and four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and coming near the boat, and they were afraid. But He said to them: “It is I; don’t be afraid.” So they wished to take Him on board the boat; and immediately the boat reached the land for which they were making.
I must say time and time again I have read this passage and it was just one of those, of course the most profound thing being that Jesus walked on water. That’s what we mainly know this story for and we fail to look beyond that act. Thanks to William Barclay, I was amazed to realize and learn that there’s actually more to this passage than meets the eye.
John as an eye witness of Jesus walking on water, realized just how amazing Jesus is. He saw more than just the man they were hanging out with and following, but saw right into the character and heart of Jesus. He had a personal experience and revelation of who Jesus really is and what He can do for you and me. What Jesus revealed of Himself and John learnt is that:
JESUS COMES– I guess the disciples were about to give up on keeping that boat afloat. Their arms must have been tired and aching from all that rowing and fighting the storm, that they were on that point of throwing in the oars. It was just at that moment, right in the nick of time that Jesus showed up. He didn’t help row the boat, but just the sight of Him, got them to the end. I feel like His turning up just at the right time, gave them the strength and they managed that extra push.
Sometimes in life we are also caught up in our own storms. We go through things that we can barely share with anyone because we feel they won’t be able to help. Like the disciples we row and row and just as we begin to think all is in vain, Christ shows up in our struggle. He doesn’t turn up physically but He turns up through other means. It may be a verse which comes to your mind, a friend with just the right thing to say or even a stranger on a bus. Listen and see, He is always there. Remember Christ comes.
JESUS WATCHES – While the disciples were rowing hard and battling on sea, John realized that Jesus while in the hills praying, had also been watching them. He had not forgotten them and His love was upon them. Jesus could see all that they were going through. They were never alone. He watched them as a parent watches his child.
It comforts me to know that Jesus is always watching me. In all that I go through Jesus watches and knows, He is not ignorant or turning a blind eye. Jesus also watches you as he watched the disciples that day and as He also watches me. We are all under the loving eye of Christ. Once again we are never alone. I am reminded of a song that says, “He never sleeps, He never slumbers, He watches over me, all night and day..” If He is always watching all day and all night, we have no need to be afraid, we have no reason to worry. He knows all about our struggles. He allows us to struggle so we can also grow, and its those struggles that lead us closer to Him. You are a number one priority.
JESUS HELPS – The disciples had struggled with the storm, but the sight of Jesus is what helped and saved everything. Just because they had Jesus in their lives, He helped them. I’m sure they still had quite a distance to go, but because Jesus turned up, He cut their journey short and it was all over. That is how Jesus helped them.
When you allow Jesus into your life into your situation He helps you. He will not let you down. You need to let go and let God. He is an ever present help in time of trouble. In the words of David, “Lift up your eyes to the hills from whence comes your help; your help cometh from the Lord. He will not allow your foot to slip, He never sleeps, He never slumbers, the Lord who keepeth thee.”
JESUS BRINGS US TO THE HAVEN – After a night spent on the sea in a storm, the disciples finally got to the shore and guess what; Jesus had a fire going and some fish for them to eat. It must have been the most welcoming and relaxing thing after such a struggle. It was like a haven, a fortress in the middle of nowhere.
A haven is a refuge, a place of rest, a sanctuary, and that’s what He provided the disciples. When we have struggled and had it hard, God will finally bring us to a place of rest.
“There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God. A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.”
In the presence of Jehovah you have all you need. He allows you to relax and enjoy some peace. Yes you can go to Him and cry, but after a struggle its tears of joy and praise. As the song says, in Him you have full release, He really is the ultimate haven through it all. At the end of the day really, Jesus is like a breath of fresh air, when all that’s around is a storm. When we are troubled and caught in a battle, He is a very present help in times of trouble. Jesus is always in your vessel, even when times are tough you can still smile.
Jesus comes …Jesus watches Jesus helps… Jesus is a haven
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