The Apostle Peter understood what it meant to be saved through the midst of waters (1 Peter 3:20).  Follow me on this brief journey below, and you’ll see the saltwater theme of this fisherman from Galilee.

Called by Christ from the Sea

Peter’s first encounter with the One whose call would change his life began at the sea, where he plied his trade.  “While walking by the Sea of Galilee,” Matthew records in his gospel, Jesus “saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’  Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (4:18–20).

Called to Christ on the Sea

In a story that showcases an interesting mixture of faith and doubt, Peter asks Christ to prove his identity during a storm by saying, “‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’  He said, ‘Come.’  So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” (Matthew 14:18–29).

Lifted by Christ from the Sea

Peter’s faith quickly falters, though, and “when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:30–33).

Separated from Christ by Sin

The saltwater theme of Peter’s journey of faith continues even at his lowest point.  When Peter adamantly denies his association with Jesus three times and the rooster crows, “Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’  And he went out and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).  His faithlessness and the memory of his master’s words lead Peter to tears of repentance.

Called to Christ Across the Sea

Peter decides to go fishing, and several of the disciples agree to go with him.  After a night with no catch, dawn begins to break, and a man stands on the shore whom they don’t realize yet is Jesus.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’  They answered him,  ‘No.’  He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’  So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.  That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’”  Hearing this, Peter throws himself into the sea and swims to shore to greet his Lord (John 21:5–8).

When reading the Gospels, I am often tempted to criticize the disciples for their inconsistencies and lack of faith, but really, these stories are a warning and an encouragement—warning, lest we fall into the same errors of pride or fear that these followers did, and encouragement that Christ will not lose any of his own (John 17).  We can never fall so far that he can’t save us if we repent, and he gives us the power to do so.  When we try to walk on water, to do what seems impossible except that Jesus says, “Come,” we may start to sink like Peter as fear and distractions creep in.  But let us like him also cry out, “Save me, Lord!” and know with hearts of faith that he always will—and already has.

I pray that when we fail and fall, like Peter, we will turn with tears of repentance and leap eagerly, without reservations, to reach our Lord when we sight him upon the shore.  May the LORD continue to keep us and bring us safely through many waters to himself.

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Note: Research has revealed the Sea of Galilee is freshwater, but the themes remain the same, even if the post title is not wholly applicable.  And “Water Peter” has no ring to it, so I hope you’ll understand.