THE DAY OF THE TRUMPET!

1 Co 15:51-58  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  55   O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56   The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

THE MYSTERY: WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP BUT WE SHALL BE CHANGED!  

1 Th 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14   For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

THE MOMENT: WE WILL BE CAUGHT UP IN IT!  

Col 2:16-17  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:   17  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Mat 24:32-36  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:  33  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.  34  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.  35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

THE MEANING:  THERE'S SUBSTANCE BEHIND THE SHADOW!

The next great event in the believer's calendar is the return of Christ. The big question is: WHEN does He return? The most important question however is: ARE YOU READY???

FACT: JESUS IS RETURNING TO PLANET EARTH!

As believers we are exhorted and commanded to WATCH, WAIT, WARN OTHERS AND BE READY!

  

1. BE READY AND PREPARED FOR THE RETURN OF THE LORD! LIVE IN ANTICIPATION!

1 Jn 3:2-3  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Mat 24:44  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Luke 21:34-36  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  35  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

1 Co 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Th 5:1-11  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  3  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  4  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  6  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  7  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  8  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  10  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Pe 4:7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Rev 3:3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

 2. WAIT FOR HIM AND DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DISTRACTED AWAY FROM HIM BY ANYTHING!

1 Th 1:9-10  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;  10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Heb 9:27-28  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

3. WATCH DILIGENTLY FOR HIS COMING WILL BE SUDDEN AND WILL BE UNEXPECTED BY MANY!

Mat 24:37-44  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  40  Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  41  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  42  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  43  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  44  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Mat 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mar 13:32-37  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.  33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.  34  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  35  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  36  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  37  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

1 Co 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Th 5:5-7  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  6  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  7  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

1 Pet 4:7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Rev 3:3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

4. WARN OTHERS OF HIS COMING REGARDLESS OF THEIR RESPONSE AND REACTION! IT IS OUR DUTY!

1 Th 5:14-22  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  16  Rejoice evermore.  17  Pray without ceasing.  18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  19  Quench not the Spirit.  20  Despise not prophesyings.  21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Col 1:25-28  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;  26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:  27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

On September 28 2011 the Jewish community will begin celebrating what is referred to as Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year. Rosh HaShanah is also referred to as "Yom Teruah" or the "day of the awakening blast". It is the first of the three fall feasts. The other two are Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles). These all take place in the 7th month of Israel's religious calendar.

Lev 23:1-4  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  2  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.  3  Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.  4  These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Deu 16:16  Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

The men of Israel were required to appear 3 times a year before Yahweh. In Biblical times they would travel to the temple in Jerusalem in obedience to this command. The months of the Jewish year were based on the lunar cycle with the beginning of the month coinciding with the new moon. The beginning of the day was counted in Jerusalem and was based on the sighting of the new moon in Jerusalem. It was critical to ensure the new moon was spotted in a  timely manner. Because of the Jewish Diaspora after the Babylonian exile many were unable to return to Jerusalem and the feast of Yom Teruah was celebrated for two days.     

These feasts have been shown to have prophetic significance covering the God's Redemption Plan for man. The Messiah's death burial and resurrection are celebrated in the first three spring feasts followed 50 days from the resurrection by the Feast of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost came. These feasts have an application to all mankind and whosoever will may come.

The final three feasts all take place in the seventh month Tishrei (sometime on September) and I believe these will be directly related to Yahweh's resumption of direct dealing with Israel as a nation. I believe that the church as we know it will be raptured leaving the stage set for the final movement in Yahweh's dealings with mankind and the summing up of all events in prophetic scripture.

If this is the case then it is likely that the rapture of the church will take place at a time aligning with the next feast (Holy Convocation) of Yahweh which will be Yom Teruah!

It has been taught that the rapture can occur in any given year and the apostle Paul lived in this expectation in his day when he said the "we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed"  and "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air".

As time rolls on and knowledge increases more and more the significance of prophetic utterances become clear and many have examined the statement of the Messiah in  Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  This is stated to be an idiom taken from the Jewish wedding where only the father of the groom knows when it is time for the groom to go and bring his bride back to the finally completed mansion as detailed John 14. Themes associated with Yom Teruah are the coronation of the king, the resurrection of the dead and the wedding of Messiah. It seems highly likely that the feast of Yom Teruah may have been in Messiah's mind when he uttered those words. When He returns for the church it will signal the approach of the time for the revelation of the antichrist, the 7-year covenant Israel makes with the antichrist, the return of Messiah to earth on the Mount of Olives after the 7-year covenant and the atonement of the Israel as a nation when they behold Messiah revealed, descending to their rescue, bringing redemption.

Rev 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Zec 12:10  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Regardless of what may or may not be it is important for us to:  

"...give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.  2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;  3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;  4  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Heb 2:1-4

He is coming and we need to be ready! Will He find you ready and waiting if He should come today...if the trumpet should sound even NOW?

BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH

 Mat 25:1-13  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  2  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  3  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  4  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  5  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  6  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  7  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  8  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  9  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  10  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  11  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

  

Many times we need to remind ourselves that the Bible was written centuries before modern times in a setting and culture vastly different from what we are exposed to in this day and age. It therefore stands to reason that there will be included in the narrative many terms, idioms and customs that are unfamiliar or unknown to us resulting in a misunderstanding  and misinterpreting of the writer's meaning and intentions. While the message of salvation is plain and straightforward, there are many incidents, teachings, illustrations and stories drawn from everyday occurrences and contemporary history and life that may present difficulty in understanding the meaning of passages without and understanding of manners, customs, and history of Biblical times. For instance in Luke 13 the incidents with Pilate and the Galileans and the Tower of Siloam are not recorded in contemporary history but are mentioned here as being recent happenings. When Jesus teaches and speaks He also makes use of things, events, customs and practices peculiar to those days which the people of those days being familiar with will readily grasp.

One such custom and tradition is made use of in Jesus' parable of the ten virgins as well as His discourse to His disciples in John 14:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

John 14:1-3

Research done by others have thrown a lot of light on the LORD"S teaching   

The Jewish betrothal ceremony was very much different from our modern engagement

The Jewish betrothal was much more than a mere modern engagement. 

It was a covenant. It was the legal part of the marriage.

A traditional Jewish betrothal is taken very seriously by the parties involved because this is where their vows are made and the wedding contract drawn up. 

A betrothal ceremony is a Jewish person's vows, and therefore binding until death do they part.

 

According to recorded history and research the following took place during a Jewish marriage:

THE BETROTHAL AND DEPARTURE OF THE GROOM

The selection of the bride

The first step in the marriage process - the arrangements preliminary to the legal betrothal. It was common in ancient Israel for the father of the groom to select a bride for his son. By the time Jesus came the bridegroom himself usually took the initiative and traveled to the home of the prospective bride to make the arrangements

The marriage contract

The groom draws up the marriage contract, covenant or contract promise, a document that is used for the purpose of assuring a bride will be provided for. it is usually referred to as the bridal payment. It changed the bride's status and set her free from her parent's household. Once agreed upon it became binding on both parties and they were regarded as husband and wife. The bride was declared sanctified and set apart for her bridegroom.

The ritual immersion

It was common for the bride and groom to separately take a ritual immersion (mikveh) as symbolic of renewal. The Jews considered the mikveh a representation of the womb of the world and the person emerged from the womb as a new person separated from the world.

The couple would then make public their intention to be betrothed and would seal it in the sharing a cup of wine. They were considered married but have not entered into any physical relationship. 

The Separation

The groom then prepares to leave promising to return for the bride after a place has been prepared for the new couple at the father's home. The bride does not know the time or day but is expected to be prepared ready and separated until the return of the groom to claim her. The separation lasts for usually a year before the groom returns. 

The Preparation

The groom returns to his father's home where he begins preparing for the eventual bringing home of his bride. This was overseen by the father who determines when it is finished so that the son can return to bring his bride home. In the meantime the bride is preparing for the eventual return of the groom and lives in anticipation of his soon return

THE RETURN OF THE GROOM AND THE MARRIAGE CELEBRATION

The Return of the Groom

The groom returns at the end of the betrothal period to clam his bride. The bride is aware of the general time but not the exact day or hour. This make the arrival time a surprise so the bride is always to be ready. This usually takes place at night and someone would go ahead to make the announcement of the groom's arrival usually shouting "Behold the bridegroom cometh!" This would be followed by the sounding of the trumpet with the wedding procession moving towards the bride's house.

The Marriage Celebrations

The groom returns with his bride to his home where they will be led into the chamber and the marriage consummated. The celebration would then begin and last for 7 days during which time the bride remains hidden in the bridal chamber. 

  

JESUS AND THE CHURCH - A SPIRITUAL UNION!

1.      JESUS LEFT THE FATHER'S HOME  AND CAME TO EARTH, THE HOME OF THE CHURCH, HIS BRIDE John 6:32-35  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.  33   For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  34  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.  John 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Joh 3:16-17  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

2.      HE HAS DRAWN UP A CONTRACT IN WHICH HE HAS PAID THE PRICE OF HIS BLOOD  John 3:16-17  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 1Pe 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  20  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

3.      HE HAS ESTABLISHED BAPTISM AND COMMUNION AS CELEBRATION OF THE NEWNESS IN LIFE AND UNION IN HIM. Mat 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Luke 22:15-20  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:  16  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.  17  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:   18   For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.  19  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.  20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

4.      HE HAS GONE BACK TO THE FATHER'S HOME TO PREPARE A PLACE.  John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.   2   In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

5.      THE CHURCH IS TO LIVE A SEPARATED LIFE IN ANTICIPATION OF HIS RETURN AT THE END OF THE BETROTHAL PERIOD. Mat 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  2Co 6:14-18  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  18   And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  Col 3:1-7  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  2   Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:  6  For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:  7  In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

6.      JESUS WILL RETURN FOR THE CHURCH WITH THE SHOUT AND THE TRUMPET. 1Th 4:16-18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

7.      THE CHURCH WILL RETURN WITH CHRIST TO HIS FATHER'S HOUSE. John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.   2   In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

8.      THERE THE CHURCH WILL REMAIN HIDDEN FOR 7 YEARS WHILE THE EARTH EXPERIENCES TRIBULATION Isa 26:20-21  Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.  21  For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain

.

We NEED to be ready for the return of our Saviour, Lord and King...for HE COMES...SOONER THAN YOU THINK!

STEP OUT OF THE BOAT BUT ONLY AT HIS COMMAND!

 Mat 14:22-33  And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.  23  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.  24  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  25  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  26  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  27  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  28  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  29  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  30  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  31  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  32  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  33  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

  

Examining the scenario we take note of the things that stand out;

1. The disciples are all in a ship without Jesus 
2. They were there at the Lord's urging! 
3. The ship is in the middle of the sea 
4. The sea is rough because the winds are contrary
5. The boat is being tossed about on the sea
6. Jesus comes to them in the fourth watch of the night
7. Jesus is WALKING on the same sea that threatens their existence (His power over things that affect man adversely is clearly demonstrated)
8. These big men are fearful and express it in their cries.
9. Jesus identifies Himself and calms them
10. Peter request that Jesus command him to approach Jesus on the water
11. Jesus gives a specific command
12. Peter obeys and walks on water
13. Peter gets distracted by the stormy sea, becomes afraid and starts to sink
14. Peter cries out to Jesus for salvation
15. Jesus rescues Peter
16. Jesus chides Peter for his doubt
17. They both enter the boat and the storm dies

Out of this we locate several points of importance.

1. Jesus constrained them to get into the ship to get to the other side so they were caught in the storm through obeying Jesus.
2. Jesus comes walking on the sea toward them and they do not recognize Him but thinks He is a 'spirit' and they cry out in fear.
3. Jesus identifies Himself to His disciples and urges them to have courage and not be afraid
4. Peter requests that Jesus command him to approach Him on the water.
5. Peter responds to Christ's command, steps out of the boat, and becomes the first recorded disciple to walk on water.
6. Peter becomes distracted by the boisterous wind, lost focus and begins sinking and cries out to Jesus for salvation.
7. Jesus saves Him and points out the reason for Peter's failure..."why did you doubt"

Now looking at these points let us see if we can draw some spiritual truths from them.

1. BEING OBEDIENT TO THE LORD DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT WILL BE EASY GOING.  John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 
2. JESUS DEMONSTRATES THAT HE HAS CONTROL OVER THE VERY CIRCUMSTANCES AND SITUATIONS THREATENING TO CONSUME US AND HE WANTS YOU TO TRUST HIM AND NOT BE AFRAID. HE IS MASTER OF THE WIND AND WAVES. Mar 4:39-40 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Psa 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. He is the Master of the elements and when HE commands it is so. 
3. WHEN YOU ASK THE LORD FOR INSTRUCTIONS BE PREPARED TO FOLLOW THEM  WHEN HE GIVES THEM TO YOU. There is a vast difference between feeling the solid wood of the boat beneath your feet and stepping out onto the surface of an element that your entire being and entire life experiences tells you will not support you just because someone tells you to. But what is important is that you recognize the voice of the Someone that is beckoning you to do so. You have asked Him to invite you to come to Him and He said Come. Now you have to make a move that goes contrary to all that you are accustomed to as being normal and act on His Word! Remember the miracles do not happen until you begin to take Him at His Word!  Joh 2:5  His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it...Joh 2:8  And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.    
4. DO NOT ALLOW COMPLACENCY, FEAR AND DOUBT TO PREVENT YOU FROM VENTURING OUT ON THE LORD'S COMMAND. So what if we begin sinking? if He commanded you then He will rescue you. You can step out at His command and experience if even for a short while the excitement of a miraculous moment that you can look back to with a sense of awe at His power and authority. But it does not have to be just for a moment!  
5. WHEN YOU STEP OUT AT THE LORD'S COMMAND DO NOT ALLOW YOUR ATTENTION TO BE DISTRACTED BY THINGS HE HAS SHOWN HIS MASTERY OVER! We can become distracted by elements that break our focus by natural logic and worldly arguments bring doubts about what we are actually doing at His command!
6. REMEMBER THE WORD OF GOD ALREADY CONTAINS MANY COMMANDS FOR US TO FOLLOW AND OBEY WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT FOR HIS VOICE. There are many running around to hear someone speak a “word of prophecy” over them and blatantly ignore the inspired, infallible Word of God!

Many dream of doing what Peter did but refuse to make the step out of the normality of their regular lives and move into the excitement of obeying the Lord's commands.

It is not simply a change of geographical position but a change of spiritual position. Many go hopping here and there blaming everyone and everything when they cannot find what they are looking for in the Lord. We become quick to cover up our fears and doubt by criticizing others who have stepped out for the Lord. 

Many will only point to Peter's failure as an example of acting rashly and showing off.

Few will recognize that Peter ACTUALLY walked on water!

Many unsung songs, unspoken verse, unwritten lines remain unsung, unspoken and unwritten because we feel too comfortable where we are and are unwilling to make the effort to get out of that comfort zone. Then we wonder why miracles do not happen in our lives.

We continue daily in our same routine. This is what we are familiar with

Just because we obey the Lord and do what he constrains us to do does not mean that we will be trouble free. We should however rest assured that He is aware of the situation and HE wants us to be aware that He is Master of the situation.

Sometimes in the midst of all our trials and troubles we fail to recognize when God is approaching us with the very elements that threaten us being under His feet!

Peter and the rest saw the Lord walking on the surface of the sea. Peter said Lord 'bid me Come to you on the water!'  All the disciples heard the same Word that Peter heard...Come! Only Peter stepped out because it went past the physical and became supernatural in his heart. Peter walked where no mortal man had ever walked before.

Only Peter stepped out at the command. He looked for a connection and in fact demanded it. God spoke the Word, it made the connection in Peter, faith was activated Peter Walked! Do not diss him until you have done what he did!  Many hear the Word few act on it.

In the episode of Peter walking on water we can learn some effective and powerful lessons. Walking on water is NOT normal. Remaining in the boat is normal. No man in their right mind will step out of a boat in a stormy sea and expect to walk on water. In the midst of a serious storm that threatens the lives of all in the boat we still choose to remain in the boat rather than step out..

It is not usual to just step out of the boat in the midst of a raging storm but these are NOT usual circumstances! There is someone a Person out there in the storm and HE is actually walking on the raging sea. Not only that, but the sea seems to have no effect on Him and does not bother Him at all! It is as though HE is taking a quiet stroll down a solid garden path with no thought of danger. And that's what makes the difference. Not the storm and the wind and the waves but Who it is actually out there. Here Him say "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid!"

All see the Lord and what He is doing! No ordinary man does that, which was why they at first thought it was a ghost!

All see the Lord walking ON the waves but only one man wants to emulate Him!

Only one man request to do what the Lord is doing. Maybe they wanted to do so as well but were waiting to see Peter fail in order to say Aha, I knew it! he had to go make a fool of himself...as usual! Maybe they were waiting to ensure it was safe while Peter tested it out! 

How many times have we not found ourselves in the same position. Hearing God's voice but we are too fearful and too timid to venture, yet ready to become the critic of those who dare! 

How many times we just hope to sit there quietly in our little normal corner and say this suits me just fine thank you! No I'll just sit here and not get involved! I WILL NOT make a fool of myself! I am just going to sit her in my own familiar spot...just me and my family and go quietly out after the final prayer to my regular normal life for the rest of the week. You may say I have enough challenges during the week and Sunday is my day of rest and quiet and relaxation for myself and family. 

How many times have we not sat down at lunch or is it dinner and poke fun at those who are trying and when they begin to sink we nod our wise heads in a grave manner and say I told you so! He (she) is always making himself (herself) an idiot. Remember this, regardless of what you think Peter will always be able to say I actually WALKED on water, while you just sat there thinking yourself too smart to experience the same miracle Peter did! So he sank...yeah right! But did you walk???

If we expect a miracle to happen then we need to hear His voice and step out of our comfort zone (not that it is so comfortable after all)

We all have some place or position or pattern where we feel comfortable and have a sense of security…a place where we do not feel or look foolish. Stepping out at God's command may seem foolish and downright impossible at times if not dangerous to our supposed well being. Many times we hesitate then our "better judgment  prevail and so we sit tight and alert waiting to laugh and criticize the one who actually stepped out at His command! 

Remember this! On your own you are destined to fail! With Him strength is renewed, hope is restored, faith is released and salvation becomes a reality!