Daily Devotion for Monday 26th May 2025
St John 6: 16 – 21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.
Reflection
Jesus walking on water is a story in all four gospels. Let’s listen to the unique voice of John’s version.
Jesus, following the feeding of the 5000 plus, has been left behind on his own. The disciples take off in a boat, but after rowing for sometime a storm arises. Fear finds its way into the boat. There is nowhere to hide, nothing to do, but cower in the boat and then…
They see Jesus and hear him say – ‘I am. Don’t be afraid.’ This is the revelation of God in Jesus’ voice. They see the power of God in their teacher walking on water. Jesus, as God’s Son, is present with them, and they are safely ashore.
Most of the time our lives revolve around routine, the same old same old, day after day. Some of us have the joy of jobs which are full of surprises, but we still have our daily rituals, like reading these daily devotions, creating meals, cleaning our houses, connecting with family and friends.
Sometimes, however, life becomes unstable; the storms come out of nowhere – and we are afraid. Our life-boat has lost its stability. We find ourselves looking beyond our boat to the horizon. Our future is unclear because we do not know what is beyond the storm. Fears overwhelm us.
These fears – present and future – may prohibit us from hearing the words of Jesus, ‘I’m here.’ They may prohibit us from landing on the stable shore.
Amidst our fears these verses remind us to listen for the voice of Jesus, to watch for him beside us. When we are in our boats, tossed about on stormy seas, where is Jesus? Is he in the staff who delivers treatment, the friend who sits with us in our sorrow, the child who trusts their life to us? Jesus calls to us through the wind and waves, ‘I’m here. Don’t be afraid.’ Our boat doesn’t sink, and we land on the stable shore with Jesus present.
Prayer
Jesus,
whether we find ourselves in the rocking boat
or on the stable shore, help us see you today.
Jesus, quiet the voices in our hearts,
the voices that shout for our attention
in the world around us,
so that we can hear your voice,
promising your presence with us.
Jesus, help us trust you are with us now
and into our tomorrows. Amen.