Hands that Protect

based on Matthew 14:28

Lent Midweek – April 9, 2003

Pastor Richard Mau

Immanuel Lutheran – Des Plaines, Illinois

 

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 

But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

 

 

            Hands that Protect.  Recently we have seen news coverage of the military actions in Iraq.  We see soldiers who have made an oath to serve and protect the people and interests of our nation.  These soldiers have trained conscientiously and thoroughly in their skills to carry out their mission, to protect.  Their hands are strong hands.  Their hands manipulate powerful weapons, complex weapons, machinery, the controls of planes and missiles that proceed at unimaginable speeds with the finest of precision.  They are hands that tap out communications to others.  They are hands that plan strategic maneuvers at maps and charts.  They are hands that prepare meals.  They are hands that heal the wounded.  They are hands that wave directions to others.  They are hands that carry the needed supplies.  They are hands that give sticks of gum to children affected by this war.  They are hands that prepare and repair equipment and vehicles.  They are hands that embrace comrades and victims.  They are hands that hold letters from home.  They are hands that hopefully soon will embrace loved ones in their own living rooms. 

 

            Hands that protect.  Our Savior’s hands are hands that protect.  In the account from Matthew 14, the disciples were in peril.  A sudden storm had come up on the lake.  The small fishing boats were in danger of waves that would suddenly and violently swamp the boat causing all to perish.  Then, out of the dark, they saw someone actually walking on the water.  Being they all were seeing the same thing, they were amazed and frightened even more. 

 

            Peter, known for his boldness called out, "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."  [v. 28] Jesus beckoned Peter and he began to walk on the water also.  It is amazing what happens with even little faith as Jesus has told us that one can even move mountains with faith as small as a mustard seed.  [Mat. 17:20]

 

            We too strike out boldly in faith moving the mountains of peer pressures, societal influences, intending to tell the unbelievers and delinquent in faith the love of Jesus.  Then, like Peter, we get overwhelmed by the waves around us, and we fall away from faith and trust in our own means and begin to sink in the perilous waters of temptation, sinfulness, and looking to strength other than what God alone can and does give. 

 

            When we look at our perilous condition in this world, whether it be providing for simple daily needs, the miracle of health and life, or facing the uncertainty of certain death, we find ourselves defenseless.  We need protection.

 

            Jesus stretched out his hand and pulled Peter from the water.  He stilled the storm that threatened the disciples’ boat in this instance and in another.  From the cross he looked down on his mother and commended her to the care of his closest disciple, John.  In the turmoil that surrounded his trial and crucifixion not one of the disciples or other of his followers were harmed by the vigilante group that took him.  The first words of the angel at the tomb were, “Do not be afraid.”  [Mat. 28:5]  His first words to the disciples that Easter evening were, “Peace be with you.”  [John 20:19]  And in his last instructions prior to his ascension into heaven Jesus reaffirmed all who trust in him, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  [Matthew 28:20b] 

 

            As we look at the hands of our Lord and Savior, they are pierced by nails that held him to the cross.  But he was pierced for our transgressions.  [Isaiah 53:5]  By his great sacrifice for you he protects you from the fear of punishment for your sins.  By his resurrection he protects you from the power of death and the devil.  In these last words in Matthew he reminds us of God’s words to his people as he delivered them into the promised land, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  [Deuteronomy 31:8] 

 

            Jesus, our Lord himself, goes before you in every step of your life.  He has walked through and overcome every temptation and trial you will encounter.  He has suffered a death and being forsaken by God the Father.  He has broken the bondage of sin and death.  He is your shepherd, and will guard and protect you in every way.  As your shepherd, you hear his voice and he knows you.  He has promised that nothing will be able to snatch you out of his hands.  [John 10] 

 

            Hands that protect.  You and I do not know even an iota of the physical things Jesus and the angels he sends have protected you from every minute of every day.  Hands that protect.  You and I cannot imagine the forces of Satan that Jesus and the angels he sends have protected you from in the spiritual battles that surround you each moment of your life, even while you sleep.  Hands that protect.  By following his word and trusting in his commands, how often, in faith, has Jesus led you from troubled messes into green pastures and beside quiet waters.  Hands that protect.  In the gift of baptism you know Jesus has given you his Holy Spirit to work the miracle of faith in you, washes away the stain and punishment of sin, gives you new life and presents you holy again in the image of God that you were created.  Hands that protect.  Those same hands that ascended back to his heavenly home to sit at the right hand of God will come again to deliver you and all believers from the ultimate destruction on Satan and all he has corrupted on the last day.  Hands that protect.  Our Savior’s hands will protect you eternally on that day when they embrace you in his father’s heavenly kingdom.

 

            The hands of your Savior are hands that protect you now and forever.  Amen.

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