Some preach a different version of Jesus than the one described in the Bible. It could be argued that the Apostles were not familiar with the “Jesus” preached in many circles today, because the modern “Jesus” does not require change when coming to Him. Some teach that Jesus is willing to accept only the changes you are willing to make on your terms.  

Yet, the Jesus that the Bible does describe? He tells us to count the cost! The Jesus that the Bible presents taught that following Him may very well cost us relationships, even with our own earthly family. The real Jesus of scripture says that true discipleship will cost us hardships in this life (James 1:2), will cost us our material things, will cost time, will cost even our whole self (Romans 12:1-3). 

The Jesus the Bible describes calls for conviction (Luke 15:1-32), godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:7), and genuine repentance (Luke 13:3). The Jesus the Bible describes says most people cannot see or enter the kingdom of heaven (Luke 16:15; 17:20-21; 18:17; John 3:3-5). Only this Jesus is worth believing! Only this Jesus is worth serving!! But only a few will evaluate Jesus and learn that though the challenge is great, the rewards are much greater (Matthew 5:1-7:29)!

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 

26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 

27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 

29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 

30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 

32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

~ Luke 14:25-33

After feeding the 5000, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up to a mountain alone to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples in the boat were struggling with strong waves and winds in the middle of the sea! This continued until the early hours of the morning (while it was still dark) when Jesus approached them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 

This is where we witness some growth in the apostle Peter, as he responded, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” At this point, Peter realized that if the Lord commanded him to do ANYTHING, he could do it! Even if Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water, he could do it!! It’s one of those moments when we are reminded to be mindful of what we pray for, because we might just get it (if we ask God for an opportunity to do something significant, He may grant us that chance). 

Returning to the story, Jesus told Peter to “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus! Imagine Peter holding onto the edge of the boat, placing his feet firmly on the water, and then letting go… to find himself walking on water!! Would he ever forget that experience? However, it was very dark, with strong winds and crashing waves, and the water was about 200 feet deep! As a fisherman, Peter was aware of this. As he looked around, he felt fear creeping in, and he began to sink. 

When we know we are in trouble, it is interesting how we respond (not mincing words). Peter emphatically cried out, “Lord, save me!” Now, did Jesus rebuke Peter, saying, “Thought you could do it, huh?!” No, that is not what Jesus did!! Instead, He IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand, caught Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

You see, Jesus wanted Peter to succeed in walking on water, just as He wants us to succeed in obeying His commands. So the next time your faith is tested (and it WILL be tested), remember that the Lord wants you to pass the test! Also, note that even after Peter’s faith failed, when the Lord saved Peter, they both walked on the water – together – and got back into the boat. The other disciples in the boat then worshipped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.

There are profound moments in our lives when we realize that the Lord has indeed saved us! He deserves our worship, our service, and our all. God, please grant Your servants the ability to do great things in Your name, all to Your glory! Use me as You deem fit, and may You be with me in all things. Amen. 

I am making the decision to no longer be charmed by the empty promises of this world. Instead, I am determined to resist being entangled in things that lead to destruction. God is calling me to a higher level of thinking, one that embodies nobility and goodness (Colossians 3:1-4). I am committed to following Jesus and accepting Him as my Savior. This requires me to leave behind my sinful habits and troubles (Romans 6:1-23). I know that Jesus will support and challenge me, and I am resolved to embrace His teachings, as they are the source of true life. I will find joy in following Jesus. 

I am making a commitment to follow Jesus not just today, but every day in the future, knowing that there will be challenges ahead. I will pay careful attention to His teachings and strive to align my actions with His will, as I believe that His path leads to eternal life (John 6:60-68). Jesus, I acknowledge Your authority over heaven and earth! 

I am leaving the path of sin to enter Your kingdom. I accept You as my King and Master, and I am determined to seek Your righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). Even if my closest companions oppose the changes I am making, and others try to impede my progress, I am resolved to give my best in everything and come to You.

I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. 

I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife; He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life. 

I am resolved to follow the Savior, Faithful and true each day, Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in. 

I will hasten to Him, Hasten so glad and free, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee. 

~ Words in italics are from the hymn, I Am Resolved, with Lyrics and musical arrangement by Palmer Hartsough and J. H. Fillmore