INVITATION

By pilgrim 23 January, 2022 PILGRIMAGE 1 Comment

Invite Jesus into one’s life is the most critical decision one can take. An interesting story of Jesus interacting with his disciples is recounted by John, which points toward this.

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6:16-21)

To begin with, the disciples set off on the journey without Jesus, who had retreated to solitude. Just after enjoying the miracle of the bread being multiplied by Christ, they now find themselves in a spot, having to row hard against the wind in the midst of rough waters. Life is a mix of the good times and adversity. While man works hard to prolong pleasure, adversity sneaks in and not having a philosophy to deal with adversity is troubling. The disciples were undoubtedly confused and must have even wondered if following Jesus across the lake was a good idea to begin with. But it is moments of adversity that provide an opportunity for growth.

They find Jesus walking across the lake towards them. Now, the rules of gravity dictate that you cannot walk on water. It is physically impossible. In the middle of the night, if the sight of a person walking across the water does not scare you, nothing would. And the disciples were frightened, perhaps thinking it was a ghost. But when Jesus spoke to them, they not only realized that it was indeed Jesus, but also came away with a newfound recognition of his immense power and supremacy. There is nothing at all in this universe that does not bow down before him, including the seemingly inanimate waters.

At that point of time, they take the best possible decision. They invite Jesus in to the boat. It is symbolic of the decision one takes to invite Christ in to a life. And while Christ could be outside, manifesting his power, it is when he comes inside that life becomes complete. The strivings cease and order is restored. Remarkably they also find that they immediately find the boat having reached the shore they were headed for. The miraculous comes home. Time and again, one who lives with Christ residing within one’s boat, finds the effortlessness of life’s pursuits and the peace that passes all understanding.

Inviting Jesus in is unlike any other invitation. When he comes home within, we also come home to where we belong.