Just Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

A few years back, as the Middle School Pastor here at the church, I had the privilege of taking a group of middle school students to Forest Home Camp during the summer for a week.

This exhausting but transformational week consisted of amazing worship, extended game competitions, tolerable camp food, many late nights asking kids to please get some rest, contagious energy – but above all, it created a mountain top experience.

The night before returning home, we would gather in a huge circle and share our emotional experiences from the previous week and promise to take Jesus down the mountain with us.

For some strange reason, Jesus felt closer atop the San Bernardino Mountains than He did in daily life in San Diego.

As we returned to our normal life, we also returned to the valleys that come with it. I knew these amazing young people, filled up with the Spirit, returned to homes that might be facing divorce, demanding academic schedules, potentially ailing grandparents, and friendships that pulled them away from their budding faith.

Together, our goal was to keep our eyes on Jesus, even though the drive back to reality and potential valleys made Him gradually seem further and further away.

This picture of trying to keep your eyes on Jesus during life’s challenges always brings me back to Peter and the brief moment where he looked away:

Today we read from Matthew 14:22- 30,

Jesus Walks on Water

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

- Matthew 14:22- 30

WOW – can I resonate with Peter in that moment, because as soon as interference hits in my life, I know I notice the challenges ahead and unfortunately take my eyes off Jesus and try to figure things out by myself.

Jesus, I know you are there, but can’t you see the wind and waves?

I mean this only means catastrophe is ahead right?

Where is the trust, dependence and beauty that feels so empowering during a mountaintop experience? Peter clearly had an understanding of who Jesus was and yet, in that moment, the knowledge and relationship did not suffice over his impending doom.

Oh Peter, Jesus is right there, just keep your eyes on Him….

We read in vs 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him:

“You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

- Matthew 14:31

My heart breaks when I read this. Peter just had to look up, reach out, and Jesus was right there.

How could I convince those students as they came down the mountain that those moments when they face adversity – and they will –  to just keep their eyes on Jesus.

This broken, painful world will toss you in waves, winds and storms that may seem unsurvivable and it may feel like you have tumbled completely down the mountain. But my dear friends, Jesus is right there with His hand extended ready to carry you through anything.

Once Peter regained that connection with Jesus, truth and peace were restored.

We read in verses 32-33:

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

- Matthew 14:32-33

Friends, I don’t know where you are as you read this, whether you're sitting atop a mountain right now feeling untethered and joyful, or facing the challenges of a difficult valley experience, feeling alone or uncertain.  

But the truth I am certain of is this: The Jesus who celebrates the freedom of the mountaintop is the same Jesus that will wipe your tears and walk you back up from the depths of the valley.

Just remember to ALWAYS keep your eyes on Jesus!

Pastor Heidi

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