Matthew 14:28-33 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.… The religious feeling is the soul of humanity. It may exist in these three forms: I. Acting WITHOUT intellect, under the control of the external. II. Acting UNDER intellect — controlled by the judgment. This is as it should be. III. Acting AGAINST intellect. This is the religion of impulse, and it is here exemplified by Peter in three aspects. 1. Urging an extravagant request. Men are not made to walk on water; were never known to do so; have no capacity for it. To guard against this evil, we must study general laws, cultivate self-command, and seek Divine guidance. 2. Impelling to perilous conduct. One foolish act has often plunged men into a sea of difficulties. 3. Corrected by a merciful God. Christ first allows full liberty for the play of passion and freaks of folly. Then He helps, if asked to. And, lastly, He exposes the error — "Wherefore didst thou doubt? " Peter ought not to have engaged in the act without faith — and faith implies the full action of intellect. Do not act from impulse — nor even from custom or habit. Act ever from faith. Remember that faith implies intellect, evidence, and reliance. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.WEB: Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." |
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