It’s Seafest Songs of Praise Sunday in Lossiemouth (14 August 2022) and the Lectionary verse which Rev. Geoff McKee focuses on today for his sermon is Matthew 14:22-33, in which Jesus saves his disciples by walking on the water.
Geoff reflects on our varied relationship with the sea – ranging from fun to terror. In Lossiemouth, it is our constant neighbour.
Main Scripture for this week
Matthew 14:22-33 (from The Message translation of the Bible)
Walking on the Water
22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.
24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
Video of today’s service
Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child. That’s ultimately what this was about.
rev. geoff mckee
A previous version of this service content can be found here.
