Dear Friends,
I am reading a book called Ordinary People, Extraordinary God about the life of Vineyard pastor Noel Isaacs and his ministry among the Himalayan Mountain people. Today I want to share with you some of Noel's teaching recorded in this book. I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.
One day, in a conversation with a friend about compassion for the poor, Noel challenged the classic Vineyard teaching that faith is spelled R-I-S-K, using the example of Peter walking on the water with Jesus.
"Some people say faith is spelled R-I-S-K. They see it as 'stepping out' without being able to see what will happen. . . I don't see it that way. Peter is in his boat. He sees what he thinks is a ghost walking on the water. He doesn't recognize Jesus. He and the other disciples are scared. But Jesus speaks to them. Then, Peter asks, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' And Jesus says, 'Come.' That's when Peter steps out of the boat and onto the water. It's not risky. Why? Why is it not risky? Peter stepping out of the boat was not risky because he saw Jesus. He saw Jesus, asked for confirmation, and then he stepped out. It's not risky because he now sees Jesus. The water is irrelevant. He knows water can not support him. But that is of no consequence to him. Because he is following directly what Jesus told him to do.
"Peter takes his eyes off Jesus. He sees the heavy waves. Now he's scared. He calls out to Jesus, who immediately saves him. But he has already demonstrated the key. You have to ask the Lord before you take that step of faith. The big questions are: Do you see Him? Have you heard Him speak to you? When we take a step of faith, we look from our boat across the water, not looking for Jesus. Instead, we look for money, for planning, for abilities, for people. Then, when everything is in place, we take the 'risk.' But that's not how we are taught in the Bible. . . . Worldly wisdom asks how. Godly wisdom asked who. Who do I see in this? Do I see Jesus? Do I hear Him? Or is this just my idea? . . . We need to ask: Am I Jesus-presence focused? Or am I activity-focused? Act-based activity doesn't last more than 10 years. It's based on human effort. But the work of Christ continues."
According to Noel, what we need for the mission Jesus has given us, rather than simply the courage to step out, is to be focused on the the presence of Jesus, following him as he leads us, doing exactly what he has specifically called each of us to do, as he works in our hearts to conform them to his own. Watch for Jesus' presence this week. Where do you see Jesus? How can you follow him to where he is and participate with him in what he is doing? In particular, is Jesus at work in those that don't yet know him? How can you follow him into what he is doing in them and in your relationship with them?
A prayer for this week:
Jesus help me to see you. Help me to see what you are doing in me and in those around me. And help me to step out of my boat when you call me to come and join you. Focus my heart and my life on your presence. Amen.
Love in Christ,
Michelle
