“…he went into a ship … And they launched forth.” Luke 8:22
The word translated “launched” means, “to lead up to a higher place.” (Thayer’s Lexicon) It is the same word translated “led” in Matthew 4:1 which states, “… Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil…” The precarious place in which Jesus is found in Matthew was the result of Heaven’s Leading!
That difficult “wilderness experience” resulted in the Devil’s defeat, the Glory of God and a great example to every believer that the Word of God is key to our personal victory in every situation. Likewise, when Jesus took His disciples into the boat and “Launched forth,” it was the Divine will at work.
1. Pursuing the will of God results in the need of Divine Assistance for progress and perhaps even survival.
An example is furnished by Peter’s experience of walking on the water as recorded in Matthew 29. We have been encouraged by Bible teachers using this incident to have faith, keep our eyes on Jesus, avoid presumption and other equally powerful lessons. Regardless of where the lesson starts, it always brings us to Peter’s cry, “Lord Save Me!”
He had come to a place where no human hand was sufficient to save him. He had arrived at that place when Jesus uttered one word in answer to his inquiry! Peter asked, “… Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water…” and Jesus reply was simply, “Come.” (Matthew 14:28-29)
Peter was following the voice of Jesus when he found himself in danger of drowning! Perhaps you can identify with Peter. You have diligently tried to follow the voice of God and inexplicably you are drowning! Drowning in sorrow, debt, physical pain, emotional torment etc. Your path has led to a place where there is no alternative but to rely on Him alone!
2. Deliverance comes on a certain day.
“…it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples…”(Luke 8:22 ) I remember a “certain day” my life was changed by an encounter with Christ!
There was nothing uncertain about it! No one had to tell me, I knew I had met God! I remember a “certain day” when the call of God was made clear to me. On that day, no one had to explain anything to me, I knew what to do! I remember a “certain day” when the truth dawned on my mind, since that day it has guided my decisions and shaped my character. Perhaps, you are thinking of a Certain Day when everything changed for you.
a. That “certain day” brought with it a consciousness of His presence, “…he went into a ship with his disciples…” (v22) There is so little certainty in the life of that person who feels alone in the world and is left to face life’s storms without a friend like Jesus.
b. His disciples have His presence on that certain day, in the ship, during the storm. (v22) The person who insist on charting his own course, or living independently of God’s will is not making a wise choice! Be sure you are His Disciple (follower, learner)!
We know we are His disciples and His business is to save and care for His own and we have cast all our care on Him! But being His Disciple is not about being comfortable as they are about to discover. Because, they had already-
3. Launched forth.
They were being “led” to a “Higher Place .” A HIGHER LEVEL! Many speak of moving up to the Next Level. What did that involve?
a. Jesus, the only person in the Universe who could help them, went to sleep!
b. A Storm Came.
c. The boat filled up with water.
d. They were in jeopardy.
e. They were perishing.
f. Their Beloved Master rebuked them for a Lack of Faith and fear came on them because of His awesome power!
g. When they did arrive on shore it was in a cemetery and they were met by a naked man full of devils and as a result of their ministry the locals invited them to leave!
Could it possibly be that all those things going wrong in your life are really confirmation that you are His disciple, in the boat with him, led by His Spirit and just moving up to the next level?
Come on! Laugh a little today. You know all those things cannot be coincidence! Not that He is the author of them but He has permitted you to travel a path that requires Divine Assistance.
Aren’t you glad you know Jesus is with you in this and every storm?