The Orthodox Essene Yahad

Many of us are called to serve Messiah in various ways. Often we feel overwhelmed or even frightened of the calling. We’re worried that we can’t fulfill it properly or that we’ll fail. Lets be honest; serving others can often be difficult and even frightening.

In the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-32 we find an interesting story. It is a story that demonstrates how faith is often the child of service and fear.

Peter, as an apostle, has committed himself to serving Yeshua in any way he can. On this particular day Yeshua wanted him and the other apostles to take their boat to the other side of the lake while he went alone to pray.

Peter had ridden these waves before. He knew the waters. He also knew what storms could do on these waters. He had heard the stories. He had seen the wreckage. He had talked to the widows. He knew the storms could kill. And at this moment, in serving Yeshua, he had sailed right into the midst of a storm.

Now Peter was afraid. He wanted out.

For nine hours he tugged on sails, wrestled with oars, and searched every shadow on the horizon for hope. He was soaked to the bone and in fear for his life.

If you were to look into Peter’s eyes at that moment you would not have seen a man of conviction. If you were to search his face you would not find a stern, confident look of courage. Later on you will. You’ll see his courage in the garden as he defends Yeshua from the soldiers.

You’ll see his boldness at Pentecost. You’ll see through his epistles a man of deep and abiding faith that is unshakeable.

But not tonight.

If you were to look into his eyes tonight you would see fear-extreme fear.

But out of this fear would come incredible faith. On this night Peter stepped out of a boat, in the midst of a storm, and for a brief moment walked on the water toward Yeshua.

His desire to serve despite the cost had overcome his fear.

Experiencing the blessings of service often comes at a great price to our idea of security. We have to be willing to let go of what we know, let go of the safety net, and serve in faith.

Think about the great men of Elohim.

Did Moses raise his staff on the banks of the Red Sea while an army was bearing down on him ready to kill the Israelites because it was the logical thing to do? Did Elohim choose this stuttering man because he was a great orator?

Did David face Goliath because he had studied his opponents fighting style and had developed a martial art to expose Goliath’s weaknesses?

I think not. These men of Elohim were never stronger than the moment they let go of their own security in order to serve their Heavenly Father. Just like you can.

Now back to Peter for a moment. Peter had given it is his best. And still he started sinking in the water, and Yeshua is staying up.

Peter knows where he would rather be. And there is nothing wrong with his response of fear. He stepped out in service after all.

Serving in faith, even in the midst of fear, always brings us nearer to Heavenly Father. It always makes our faith stronger.

Peter knew that in his service, at his weakest moment, he simply needed to call out to his Master. And Yeshua lifted him up out of the water to safety again.

In our service we must realize that we may be called to an area that we are uncomfortable with, or to a culture we have no experience with. And no- we may not feel secure in the calling Heavenly Father has given us.

But if we keep our eyes on the Master, call out to our Heavenly Father in the midst of the storm, you can be assured that He is faithful to raise you up out of the midst of turmoil.

And our reward? We receive the blessings of stronger faith and the peace that comes only from serving His kingdom.