From the desk of Pastor Ben
A Display of Divine Knowledge – Part 1

“But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea.”         (Matthew 14:24-25)

The apostles were very confused and disappointed that Christ had sent them to the other side of the lake. Why would He want them to travel on the water now, when storms were a very real possibility? Nevertheless, they obeyed and persevered, striving to obey the Lord’s command, even when they wished He were with them.

Jesus knew of His companions’ situation long before it developed. Therefore, when the storm came up, He did not have to rush away from prayer in order to arrive in time to rescue the apostles. With His divine knowledge, our Lord knew precisely what He would do concerning the storm and for His friends.

Jesus waited awhile before going to help the apostles, just as He waited several days after Lazarus’s death before going to Bethany to see Mary & Martha. In both cases, He could have acted much sooner; or He could have performed a miracle from a distance, just as when He healed the centurion’s son (Matthew 8:13). Of course, Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’s death or the rising of the storm from even happening. But Christ’s omniscience allowed Mary & Martha and the disciples to sense extreme need before He came to help. He knew infinitely better than His servants what was best for their welfare and for the Father’s glory.

Ask Yourself:
Waiting is not something we want Jesus to do with us very often. “Right now” would always seem like a better time to come to our rescue. But how have you benefited from His sovereign timing? How has it gotten easier to trust Him, knowing that He will never be a moment too late?