It's a familiar story, yet one that represents a turning point for faith.
Verses 32-33 tell us that when they (Peter and Jesus) climbed back into the boat the wind stopped, "Then the disciples worshipped Him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed."
Ahh.. miracle performed. Jesus proclaimed.
Scripture continues, "After they had crossed the lake, the landed in Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of His arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged Him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of His robe, and all who touched Him were healed."
Two groups of people recognizing the presence of greatness. The disciples and the the onlooking crowd.
I just love the picture image I get from this.
The friends of Jesus... those closest to Him... experiencing a first-hand miracle that brings radical faith.
Witnesses to the miracle exposed to His powerful provision that brings radical revival.
And it was by their recognition of WHO He was that caused them to suddenly believe that not only was healing possible, it was probable, and required little more than an assurance in this One they called Teacher.
They came.
They touched.
They believed healing was possible.
And I realize this morning that so many of us are contending for the miracle in our own lives.
A restored marriage.
A complete healing of illness.
An employment opportunity.
And oh how I believe that He longs to touch all who sincerely come to Him. Oh how He longs to see faith rise within the hearts His children... faith that transforms lives and brings revival!
My commentary says, "If Christ were better known, He'd be better trusted and not rejected."
Revival starts with me. It starts with you.
It begins with the recognition of His goodness and His faithfulness and His power.
John 1:10 says, that Jesus, "... came into the very world He created but the world didn't recognize Him."
He wasn't recognized but instead, He was rejected.
We reject that which we can't recognize.
And we can only recognize when we have personally encountered Him... when we spend time with Him.... when we allow ourselves an experience with Him.
I must live aware of Him... of His presence.
I must practice discerning the Spirit of sweet Jesus and begin living cognizant of His fragrance and beauty.
Living tenderly attentive to the fact that, "The Healer just walked into the room!"
Oh friend, it's so much better to know there's a prophet among us, then to know there had been one all along and we missed it. (Ez 2:5, "... at least they will know they have a prophet among them.")
I must live wide awake.
I must live in awareness of His glorious presence!
I cannot afford to miss Him at work - because I am standing in confidence that, "I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living." (Ps 27:13).
This Christian life isn't a race to the finish line. It's not about waiting to go to heaven when I die.
It's about bringing heaven to earth and experiencing the realities of heaven this side of eternity.
Jesus healed all.
And it was in their recognition that revival broke out.
And He longs to do that same thing today.
For me.
For you.
For us.
May we live with complete awareness of His Presence in this place!
He's here!
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