It's A Ghost!!!

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Psalm 23, Genesis 42; Matthew 14:25-15:9

Psalm 23: A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Genesis 42:18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. 20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do. 21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” 23 They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. 24 He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes. 25 Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them, 26 they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.

Matthew 14:25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Today’s readings help us to reflect on the fact sometimes when God shows up he is not always recognizable. The disciples were out all night and in the dawn Jesus came out to them, and they thought they were seeing a ghost. I feel like I am seeing things sometimes after a restless night too, but Jesus uses it to teach them another lesson in trust. For a moment Peter experiences what walking by faith looks and feels like, as he skims across the water while keeping his eyes on Jesus.

Joseph’s brothers have an experience of not seeing too. They don’t see it is their brother who they sold into slavery years earlier, who is now at the right hand of the guard. Without seeing what is really going on, Joseph commands them to go back and get their remaining youngest brother, Benjamin. Joseph wants to see him again and know that he is okay. But Joseph sees them and weeps knowing that his brothers are still okay and his father still longs to see him. Back at home, Reuben steps up and tells his dad that he will put his life on the line and assures his dad he will bring young Benjamin back.

Our psalmist today reminds us that at the heart of our walk with God is a good shepherd, who leads us besides still and calm waters. Though we can’t see him it is as if He is walking with us. As we learn to hear His voice we can proclaim with King David, “I lack no good thing!”

Where is Jesus calling you to come out to him on the water? What do you need to do to step of of the boat to meet him there? As you step out in faith, may you find soul refreshment and the path that leads to life today and life everlasting.

Lord God, we hear your call to discipleship. May we be worthy to serve you and help us to revere your presence as we learn your words of life. May we teach these words to those with whom we come in contact. Amen.