Listen

 

Matthew 14: 25-31 leapt off the page at me

in a brand new way.

 

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

 

There is greatness here.

What I had never noticed before was

Peter gave Jesus a command.

Peter asked Jesus to prove Himself -

To prove He was who He said He was.

He didn't listen or recognize Jesus.

 

I often hear people praise Peter because

At least he had the courage to get out of the boat.

And while this may be true ...

If he would have listened and believed

Jesus would have come to him.

Jesus was on His way to him.

 

Seems like that is the nature of things ...

How many have asked Jesus to prove Himself?

I couldn't count them.

"Are you the king of the Jews?"

In living and in dying.

 

It's unbelievable that we have the audacity to

Command Jesus

Do this or that for me ...

Prove you are who you say you are.

But will we simply listen?

Yes, like Peter,
One minute Jesus will say
"On this rock I will build my church"
And the next minute
"Get behind me, Satan."

God often gives us our way ...
And we fall flat on our faces.

Because ...

We didn't trust.

We couldn't wait.

We wouldn't listen.

Should've, Would've, Could've

 

Because Mary found favor with God and listened,

"Merry Christmas" was found

wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

 

 

Because Joseph heard God and truly listened

King Herod could never see.

 

The Magi listened and followed the star to ...

The Majestic ...

To truest Stardom

 

 

A maze of incredible events led to

An amazing birth

Because of the ones who listened to God.

If Jesus had a Christmas list ...

I think His #1 wish

Would be for us to simply ...

Listen. 

Will you be the one who will listen?  

Fall on your knees
Oh hear ...

And listen to the One you need.

Look at the proof ...

What God will do with ONE

who will simply listen.

Believe.

 

Seize the season.

"For my eyes have seen your salvation."
Luke 2:30

 

Lord, let me be one to listen.