August 7, 2005
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Mindekirken, August 7, 2005 In the fourth watch Matt 14.22-33 The fourth watch was the Roman name on the watch from 3 to 6 AM. It was the last, dark part of the night. For the one who was on watch, this was also the time when one became exhausted. Today’s text tells about the disciples who were tired and fought their way against waves and wind on the Sea of Gallilee. Jesus was not on board. However, he came towards them, walking on the water. The disciples were terrified and cried because they thought they saw a ghost in the darkness. What a contrast to Jesus’ words: Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. All of a sudden what had scared them was gone. Jesus’ voice gave them confidence and peace. It is I. In the OT a similar expression is used when God revealed himself. Moses was both fascinated and scared by the burning bush that he saw when he was shepherd for the sheep of his father-in-law. He wanted to go closer to look at the bush that was blazing, yet was not consumed. But he was stopped by God’s voice which said: Moses, Moses! Come no closer! Remove the sandals on your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God revealed himself with the words: It is I. Jesus did the same to his disciples: It is I; do not be afraid. Through all times Christians have read this text as a testimony that Jesus was divine. He has authority over the forces of nature and will and ability to help his Christian church in storm and headwind. It turns out to be quite special and personal when Peter asks for permission to walk towards Jesus on the water. Was it eagerness or arrogance? Unless you water-ski at 30 miles an hour whoever tries to walk on the water will sink. But Jesus said yes, and Peter went on the water. He stayed on the water as long as he looked at Jesus. He trusted Jesus’ words. The power of faith is unbelievable. One may move mountains and walk on water. But Peter lost focus on Jesus and started to look at the waves. He became afraid and started to sink. We have hardly walked on the water as Peter did, but we have all experienced how important it is to focus on what is positive. For several years I visited school classes to give presentations. Among the students there would always be some positive and some critical faces. Eye contact with the open and friendly faces was always the most inspiring. Students who show interest will give a presenter confidence, and it usually infects the whole class. Positive thinking makes us victorious. Ask Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong what their mental attitude means for them as athletes. No one wins by thinking that it’s quite good to be number two also. If a human has been a victim of injustice and remains focused on that, ones mind may easily be filled with bitterness. It’s a great gift to be able to say thanks for all things. The one who is able to forgive others will not turn negative and get sour. To try to punish others by bitterness is like trying to kill rats by eating rat poison oneself. No example is greater than Jesus on the cross who prayed: Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. To look at Jesus is to be under the impression of divine love and grace. When we look at Jesus many things become insignificant details. To look at Jesus makes us generous and forgiving towards other people. Paul’s life wisdom becomes true: All things work together for good for those who love God. Rom 8.28. We have no practical need for walking on water, but how important it is to have ones faith's eye turned towards Jesus. Then we will not easily be frightened by the changing waves of the circumstances of our lives. The text today is about victorious faith, to be able to perform miracles in Jesus’ name, like walking on the water. But what then with the continuation? Peter didn’t walk many steps before he started noticing the strong wind, was frightened, sank and started to vomit water as he desperately cried: Lord, save me! It was not Peter's faith that saved him, but Jesus’ strong hand. I think we may recognize ourselves in this side of Peter, our own faith isn’t that strong. But the cry: Lord, save me, is enough faith. We don’t have anything to boast of, but Jesus has reached out his hand and caught us. The disciples who worked hard in headwinds and high waves may be a metaphor for the fellowship in the congregation sometimes. We may experience conflicts and tensions. It is easy to be misunderstood, wounded, feel rejected. But even congregations in crises and conflicts belong to Jesus. We’re not saints, but holy. That means, Jesus has made us holy through baptism. It’s when he comes through his word and says: Take heart, it is I, that the miracle happens. It doesn’t necessarily means that the waves of conflict will cease, but the fact that he reveals himself is enough. He gives himself to us through Holy Communion and his word. The power is not in our faith, but in the gospel itself. It is the power of God for salvation. My grace is sufficient for you, the Lord said to Paul. In the fourth watch is the title of a novel by Johan Falkberget. It features Benjamin Sigismund who came as a pastor to the mountain town of Røros late in the winter of 1808. As a pastor, Sigismund is strict and firm. But he is also sensual. He falls in love with Gunnhild Bonde, a lady of the common mountain people. Sigismund has a cool relationship with his wife Kathrine. Gunnhild never wanted to marry her husband. In the bell tower, between heaven and earth, Sigismund and Gunnhild meet in their forbidden love. Falkberget describes their insane mutual attraction which almost makes them powerless. It’s like the past has destined the two for each other, but accident wanted it differently. The secret relationship becomes to some extent known, and the two make up their mind not to meet again. But to grieve the other out of ones mind is not easy. The emptiness by missing the other and the fight between feelings and moral obligation demands a lot of them. The proud preacher is defeated. People do not fill his church to listen to his sermons any more. At the end of the book we meet Sigismund weakened by grief and illness. It has purified the self confident pastor. A moving scene shows how he comes to a settlement with God and himself. It’s a moment of truth for the old preacher. Through his personal defeat he gets an encounter with the Christ who came wandering on the water towards his disciples in the fourth watch. As a beggar he meets the Christ who is able to free him from guilt and despair. Gunnhild and Sigismund never got each other. But there is a reconciling encounter the day before Sigismund died. For some people life looks like lost opportunities. Maybe the relationship to other people didn’t turn out as one had hoped. Sickness and disasters may put one on a side track of life. One may come to the fourth watch of ones' life with out seeing light. But that doesn’t mean that everything is over. He who came towards his disciples in the fourth watch may also come to us with his words about peace. There are circumstances in life we can’t change. But he who knows everything may light the lamp in the darkness through which we can’t find the way. Glory be to God, the Father and the Son and The Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen. |
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