Before you think I’m being piously judgmental, please realize that I’m not saying that in the traditional sense associated with that phrase. I’m saying that in the sense of ‘If you don’t like what I’m saying, buy a book’, or ‘If you don’t like what I’m saying, drink some water’.
In other words, I’m saying that if you don’t like what I’m saying, do something which comes naturally to you.
Well, you ask, what’s so natural about walking on water?
First, let’s consider some basic evidence. One of the simplest things commonly overlooked by many who make this remark today, is that it wasn’t simply the Son of God who walked on water… it was Peter also! Granted, he didn’t get further than maybe three good steps before he started pulling a Titanic, and taking on water, but he did walk on water nonetheless.
But more importantly, we need to consider ramifications much deeper than this ‘surface’ example… we need to consider the ramifications which are more indicative of our identity in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There were at least two people in the Bible who indicated that they thought that we, as Christians and Disciples of Christ, ought to take to the water like ducks. That is, ON the surface, not BENEATH it. These two men are Paul and Jesus Himself.
Paul’s Case: One of the more fascinating texts I’ve found in the Bible is where Paul admonishes those he’s writing, saying ‘Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.’ Hebrews 6:1-4 N.I.V.
Wait a minute… healing and raising the dead are part of our Elementary Education? Goodness, what do we have to do to Graduate? Perhaps we can find a clue in the words of Christ.
‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.’ John 14:12 K.J.V.
With Christ in us, rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic is a liberating task indeed.