Do Not Fear

Our Theme for June

"Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:22-27)

 

I am reminded of a story I once heard about a young girl who was awakened in the middle of the night by a thunderstorm. She ran into her parents room and jumped into the bed between them. Her mother asked her, "what's the matter, honey?" The girl immediately answered, "the storm, mommy, the storm!" Her mother replied "It's ok, honey, you know that God will protect us." The girl, sheepishly answered, "I know, mommy, and I believe it, but right now I need God with skin on."

 

God with skin on. I understand that. I think God does too.

God created people to live in communion with other people. He demonstrated that by making himself, through His son Jesus, to be Emmanuel  - God with us - and if I may say so - God with skin on.

 

Jesus lived on this earth with us. He healed us. He taught us. He loved us. And he died for us.

 

When He left this world Jesus promised us that His spirit would come, and that if that spirit lives in us then He would always be with us. He said that the Spirit would teach us and give us the capability and the motivation to be His representatives on Earth.

 

If you read further in today's scripture, you will see that Peter walked on the water to meet Jesus, but he faltered. Jesus, Emmanuel, God With Skin On reached out and saved him. Later, filled with God's spirit, Peter went on to be the hands and feet of Jesus for all the world.

 

That same spirit lives in you and me. We have the privilege and blessing to be God With Skin On to those people we meet who are need to know and experience the hope of the good news of Jesus Christ. May we all do so.

 

Father, thank you for living in us through your spirit. May we always be receptive to that spirit, and may we never tire of being your representative for those you put in our lives. Amen.

 

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.