The Christian’s Focus

by Rik Danielsen, D. Min.

In the middle of Matthew’s gospel, we find a story about Jesus and Peter that is probably familiar to most Bible readers. (Matthew 14:22-33) In that story, Jesus has been praying on a mountain while his followers set sail on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee was known for its sudden storms and that night did not disappoint. The winds came up and began to rock the little boat Jesus’ disciples were in.

After his time of prayer, Jesus literally stepped out onto the water and was walking on the water towards his men and their boat. You can imagine that this frightened the men, but Jesus called to them not to be afraid. He let them know that he was the one walking towards them. The Apostle Peter called out to Jesus, “If that’s really you, invite me to walk with you.” To which, Jesus simply said, “Come.”

Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking toward Jesus. The Bible doesn’t tell us how long or how far Peter walked on the water, but it does tell us that things took a turn for the worse. Peter took his focus off of Jesus and began looking at the wind whipped waves. When he did, he began to sink into the Sea. The good news is that he called out to Jesus for help. Jesus responded by simply reaching down and pulling Peter out of the waves so the two of them could walk back to the boat.

Hebrews 12:1b-2 (ESV) …let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Emphasis mine.)

The reason Peter began to sink was because he took his eyes off Jesus and began to focus on the stormy sea around him.

We live in a world filled with trouble. Disease and illness are all around us. Many of the cities of America are being ravaged by crime. The very existence of the world is in jeopardy because of he threat of nuclear war. Many people don't trust our government leaders because so many are corrupt and constantly lying to us.

We won’t walk in victory if we focus on the troubles around us. The only way to live a victorious Christian life is to keep our focus on Jesus. Focus on who he is: the very Son of God/God the Son. Focus on what he’s done for us: “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Do you know what Jesus is doing right this minute as he sits at the right hand of the Father? He’s making intercession for us, that is, he is praying for us. (Romans 8:34). Jesus, God the Son, is praying for you and for me, if we are the children of God through faith in Christ. Keep your focus on him and you won’t have that sinking feeling.

©2022 Rik Danielsen