July 10

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. - Matthew 14:32-33.

THOUGH Christ reproved Peter, yet he heard his prayer and helped him; and so he did the father of the child who cried out with tears, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” He was compelled to say, “O faithless generation! how long shall I be with you, how long shall I suffer you?” but he said, “Bring him unto me,” and he healed him. We see that he came into the ship now, and would not continue longer walking on the sea, but makes use of the ship. Our Lord thus teaches us, that, when ordinary resources are sufficient, we are not to be looking after extraordinary means and expedients. And he did not enter the ship alone: “they came;” that is, Peter came with him. He might have left Peter on the sea, and said to him, “This is what you wished; here you desired to come, and here you shall remain.” But he would not deal with him according to his desert, but allowed him to enter with him. We may be sure Peter was delighted with the permission to re-enter. “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased;” not before the storm had done its appointed work. It had tried the disciples; it had tried Peter; and now it was to proclaim the Saviour’s power and authority, seeing that at his approach the wind ceased. We may apply this to another instance: when the Saviour enters the soul, however stormy its condition before, immediately there is a calm. “By believing we enter into rest.” “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Then, “we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have received the atonement.”

Observe the effects of this interposition. First, Behold the confirmation of their faith. They now said, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” They knew this before, but now felt it with more confidence. The thing was as true before, but their belief of it was now increased and established.

Secondly, We see how it drew forth their admiration. “They came and worshipped him,” not only for what he was in himself, but for what he had now done. According to the promise, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”