It Is I

Daily Reading: Matthew 14

Scripture Focus: It is I. Do not be afraid. (Matthew 14.27)

Devotional Thought: I have chosen to focus on verse 27 because it has a special meaning for me.  It was one of the favorites of my stepfather, the late Rev. Leon Cook (1915-1999), and has become one of my favorites as well.  He was a Nazarene pastor, evangelist and song evangelist for 55 years and an inspiration to me. One Sunday morning, while he and my mother were visiting us in our church in Warwick, NY, he had been asked to bring the morning message.  Before the message, he sang the song, “It is I”.  I have never heard anyone else sing that song, but the words are from today’s verse 27. 

It is I… Think of what those three little words mean.  It brought peace and comfort to Peter and the other disciples in that little fishing boat that night on the raging Sea of Galilee.  It was between 3:00 and 6:00 am - still dark.  They were far from the shore.  Storms on the Sea of Galilee are frequent and sometimes unexpected.  Waves can be as high as 10 feet.  Some of the disciples were experienced fishermen, knew of the danger and would not venture out on their own on the sea, especially at night.  But, verse 22 says, “Jesus made them get into the boat”.  It wasn’t their decision. Why would he make them face this possible danger?  I believe he knew what was coming and wanted to teach them to trust him.  We face similar dangers on the sea of life as the storms come. Will we trust Jesus in the storms? 

Dale Noel

Prayer: Lord, I am reminded of the words of that old hymn: "When through the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with thee thy sorrows to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."  Lord, I trust in you in my storm.  Amen.  (John Rippon)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 85.8-13

8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.

12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.