Lord, save me!
by Anne Hansen
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Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried, ‘Lord, save me!’ (Matthew 14:29b,30)
Read Matthew 14:22–33
Our crew of the Vivid were rounding a marker for a race off Outer Harbor in South Australia. The seas were wild, and we had a harness on to keep ourselves clipped to the 44-foot yacht. None of the crew wore a life jacket as it restricted our movements to winch and pull sails. Orders were being barked out by the captain. I was asked to get to the winch … but then a huge wave hit, and I had not refastened my harness – I was headed off the boat when another crew member reached out and grabbed my harness, saving me from being washed overboard.
It is frightening being in an angry sea. The Sea of Galilee was prone to storms as the warm air from the Mediterranean Sea moved east and passed over the mountains, mixing with the cool air. The disciples were sent out by Jesus into a boat while he dismissed the crowds and went to pray by himself. A storm hit during the night, and the waves washed into the boat. The disciples were probably tired, hungry, wet and frightened when they saw a figure walking towards them in the twilight before dawn. A ghost? Jesus called out that it was he and not to be scared. Peter was the first to recover and asked to come out to Jesus on the waves, but fear overtook him.
Peter placed more faith in the wind and the waves than in his Lord and Saviour. But Jesus reached out his hand to help Peter and questioned why he didn’t believe and keep his eyes fixed on him. The winds ceased as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat. Like Peter, we will always try other means before asking for help from God. The presence of Jesus brings peace. With Jesus, there is safety, and there is no fear. Jesus is our lifeline and our harness to keep us safe. Look to the cross and the saving power of Jesus as we focus on his presence in our lives this Lenten season.
Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, and he will save you!
My Lord and Saviour, help me to keep my eyes focused on you. When everything around me starts to frighten me, give me the faith to trust in your helping hands. Amen.
Anne Hansen has worked as the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer for 19 years. She is married to Pastor Mark Hansen (who serves in Noosa Qld), and they have three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma. Previously, Anne was a Lutheran school teacher, having taught at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Noosa Qld, St Marks in Mount Barker SA, and Golden Grove Lutheran School in SA. Anne says she loves serving Jesus! Her other roles have included pastor’s kid, Lutheran Youth of South Australia (LYSA) president, Lutheran Youth Encounter (USA) events director, nanny in Wales, backpacker through Europe, puppeteer, musician (touring the USA for two years), Know Your Bible (KYB) leader, Mainly Music leader and children’s ministry leader.
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