Jesus Approaching

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The water was rough, the waves high, and the rowing was difficult. When the situation didn’t seem like it could get any worse, “they saw Jesus approaching” (John 6:19).

Jesus had sent His disciples away, commissioned to cross the lake while He retreated to talk to His Father. The wind came up. It was dark. The Master wasn’t with them and the circumstances threatened to overwhelm them. Then...”they saw Jesus approaching.”

As soon as the Lord stepped into the boat, they were “immediately” on shore (6:21). They were safe.

Another interesting little detail appears in these few verses. When the disciples first saw Jesus they were frightened. After all, they hadn’t expected to see Him walking on water! But when they recognized Him, “they were willing to take him into the boat” (6:21).

In the middle of the storm, they needed to see Jesus, they needed to be willing to put aside their fear and take Him into the boat. Only they could they feel the solidness of land under their feet.

Good lesson.

Though the song isn’t about this life, and the circumstances that often threaten to overcome us in their severity, one phrase runs through my head today “We shall behold Him.” It was written by Dottie Rambo and I remember it magnificently sung by Sandi Patti, The song speaks of the coming of Jesus Christ. At that time all the wrongs will be righted, evil will be crushed and righteousness will reign. The storms of life will abate.

But in the meantime, we can still see “Jesus approaching.” Put aside the fear and willingly invite Him into your “boat” and let Him take you safely to shore today.

WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM

The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise

The sweet light in His eyes, shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him, then face to face

O we shall behold Him, we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His glory
O we shall behold Him, yes we shall behold Him
Face to face, our Savior and Lord

The angel will sound, the shout of His coming
And the sleeping shall rise, from there slumbering place
And those remaining, shall be changed in a moment
And we shall behold him, then face to face

We shall behold Him, O yes we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His glory
We shall behold Him, face to face
Our Savior and Lord
We shall behold Him, our Savior and Lord
Savior and Lord!

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