While doing research for a sermon, I stumbled upon a curious creature—the “Jesus Christ lizard.” That’s another name for the common basilisk, a small lizard from South America that’s able to run on its rear legs on the surface of water. This might seem like a miracle, but the basilisk is able to accomplish this feat because of the skin between its toes, allowing it to float on the water for the briefest of moments. Without those flaps of skin, the common basilisk would be, well, common!
Jesus’ walking on the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 14 was definitely not common. His miracle wasn’t about biological design, nor was it some kind of trick. When Jesus “came toward [the disciples], walking on the water” (Matthew 14:25), it revealed His authority over the natural world.
For example, in Luke 5:3-10, He provided a miraculous catch of fish for Simon Peter. And in Matthew 8:23-27, as the disciples quivered in a boat being tossed by waves, He said, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” He then rebuked the waves and “there was a great calm.” Jesus wasn’t simply showing that He could do amazing things; He was demonstrating His power over creation itself. His ability was derived from His identity.
We can develop an incomplete view of Jesus when we focus solely on His miraculous powers. In this way, He becomes a kind of superhero who merely did impressive things that normal human beings can’t do. But this passage reminds us that Jesus’ ability to do miracles was derived from His authority over all things. In other words, He can do all because He’s Lord over all. Today, let’s praise Him, not just for what He can do, but for who He is!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 11:1-36
More:
Read John 21:6 to once again see Jesus’ authority over nature.
Next:
Do you ever find yourself focusing more on what God can do than on who He is? Why can this be harmful?
youssef1777 on August 18, 2016 at 5:06 am
BEFORE TO MAKE YOUR MIND TO DO IMPORTANT THING . ALWAYS PRAY IN FAITH AND WAIT FOR THE LORD ANSWER . THIS IS WISE ACTION TO DO . GOD BLESS ALL .
youssef1777 on August 18, 2016 at 5:18 am
FAITH IS NEED IT WHEN YOU FACE SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLE TO HAPPEN . TRUST IN GOD IN HARD TIME IN YOUR LIFE WILL HELP US A LOTS . GOD BLESS ALL .
Gary Shultz on August 18, 2016 at 6:05 am
Hi Peter, I certainly enjoy who Christ is, and of course the statement “His ability was derived from His identity.” As God spoke to Job beginning in ch38 He built the picture on what Job had already seen and known in all of nature, His creation. When God spoke through Isaiah and ask the people if His arm was too short in ch 50 & 59, we see a God who is limitless in all reserve. To see God because of His actions and creation is the testimony of Romans ch 1, He is and has shown us enough. We can see God’s handy work in those. As did Adam and Eve, but He wanted to know them, have fellowship and disclose the power of His love in a personal way, and it wasn’t looking at a tree, it was talking to God almighty Himself. He made an eternal choice to do that and ask us also to respond by choice to who He is, not enjoying nature. It seems like I’m rolling a lot of what has been talked about in the last few weeks, but that’s the goodness of this ministry gathering and using informational truth about God. Thanks Peter
gagirllive on August 18, 2016 at 8:02 am
Amen, Peter. We do have to be careful to desire God’s authority over our lives more than His power. The first seeks and submits to who He is while the latter seeks after what He can do for us. It reminds me of Psalm 103: 7…”He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.” I always have a “Selah” (pause and meditate on that) moment when I come to that verse. Moses had the kind of relationship with God that He revealed His character (His ways) to him, whereas God revealed His hand (His acts) to the children of Israel. Were they more interested in what God could do for them rather than who He is? Are we the same way today? Do we want His power but not His authority? Do we want to see His miracles but not His majesty? Are we enamored with our gain but not His glory? These are “Selah” questions that I ask myself. The answer is what you’ve so beautifully reminded us of today, Peter. Christ Himself is our reward. “Praise Him, not just for what He can do, but for who He is!” Thanks for this good word today, Peter.
Tom Felten on August 18, 2016 at 8:09 am
What you wrote resonates, Gary and and Gagirl . . . is my life based in Christ or in the stuff of life? Are my relationships based in Christ or what my friends can offer me? Is my work based in Christ or the identity I get from it? What an amazing thing to be loved by the Son of God who gave up His life that we might have true abundant life in Him (John 10:10).
godlove on August 18, 2016 at 10:19 am
Your comment reflects my thoughts on this issue, gagirl. Today’s devotional is a necessary reminder on the importance of laying our focus on God’s majesty rather than on what we expect to obtain from Him. I think He best enjoys that we develop a pure relationship and complete fellowship with Him, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Our needs shouldn’t be our main concern when we come to God, but instead seeking to know Him and to glorify Him with our lives. I guess we should probably be expecting to spend eternity praising Him, no needs to worry about, just praise! Truly, let’s praise God, not just for what He can do, but for who He is! Blessings to all.