Kingdom: Faith
The Kingdom of God is Seen in the Eyes of Faith
Matthew 14:22-33
Rev. Tim Callow
Preached Sun. August 13th, 2023
I was recently reading a book about the Kingdom of God. It identified various spheres in our society that, in the books words, need to be “invaded” by God fearing Christians to take the nation back for Christ. In other words, building the Kingdom meant creating a nation by Christians and for Christians. And this required infiltrating many aspects of society. The authors explained how we need to have both the heart of a King and the heart of a servant. We need to exercise the authority and lordship of God by assuming positions of power, but we need to wield those positions as servants for the good of others. But, as Jesus sardonically says in Luke, the kings of the gentiles call themselves benefactors and rule over others.
What struck me reading the book was that in no case did it cover the manner in which Christ rules. “My Kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus says. Why? But because he rules not from a stately throne but from the Cross. If we miss this point, that God rules the nations from a tree, we will miss what it means to speak of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom might morph into our own grasp for power, however much we think we are helping others. When the Kingdom is come in Jesus’ sacrifice on behalf of the world.
Jesus is the personification of the Kingdom of God. In his ministry he brings mercy, peace, and healing. This is all what the prophets said the Kingdom would entail. And, as we heard this morning, he commands even the winds and seas. He would grant this to us as well. But the Kingdom is not a matter of power, of human glory, of wealth, or strength. The Kingdom is seen and grasped only in faith.
This morning we are told Jesus dismisses the crowds and sends the disciples away on a boat. He, himself, goes up to a mountain to pray. James, John, Peter, and Andrew are all fishermen, and knew the waters of the sea of galilee very well. But when the storm arises even they have difficulty and are blown far off course.
Early that morning, when Jesus had planned to meet up with them, they were far from land. But that did not stop Jesus, who walked out on the stormy waters to meet them. At first, the disciples are terrified believing they have seen a ghost. But Jesus called out to them, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Now Peter was the stubborn and impudent sort. So he cried out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “come.” So Peter got out of the boat. There’s not a lot of description here, but I can’t imagine Peter jumped out. Can you? I think as boisterous and strong headed as he was he still put a toe out first to test the waters. Then laid down his right foot. Then, seeing the water miraculously held the weight of his foot, gingerly put the other foot out. Until, in joy, he realized he could walk.
But as he walked out on the water a strong wind came, and he was frightened. And fear and faith do not always mix. So he began to sink. Here, again, we’re not given many details. But I imagine the water gave way and he plunged. Peter would likely have been an adept swimmer, he lived on the water all his life. But even adept swimmers struggle with the current and in the waves. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!”
And just when he thought he might perish under the waves Jesus held out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” Jesus asked, “why did you doubt?” And then, at that moment, the storm stopped. And those in the boat began to worship saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” Truly, to you belongs the Kingdom.
Peter saw wonders, but even then he had to respond to those wonders in faith. By the power of God Peter could walk on water with his Lord. But even then, only by the power of faith. Faith is confidence in God, trust in his word, strong belief in his presence, work, and mercy. The Kingdom can only be perceived by the eyes of faith.
The one who walked on water, healed the sick, raised the dead, is also the same who was brutally crucified. And yet, what seems like a defeat with fleshly eyes is a victory from the eyes of faith. Through the eyes of faith the Kingdom is witnessed not just in healing, but in suffering. Not just in plenty, but in poverty. Not just in fame, but in obscurity. By the eyes of faith we see the Kingdom in all its glory. By faith we participate in the work of the Kingdom. By faith we may even walk on water. If we would not let the winds of this age drive us to doubt.