Constrained to Come unto Him

‘And straightway, Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.' (Matthew 14:22-32 KJV)

Jesus had 'constrained' his disciples to get into the ship, and go before Him to the other side. Upon Peter's request to walk to Him, Jesus said, 'Come.'

What hadn't yet been considered by His disciples was the boisterousness of the circumstances on the way to the other side, in ship or out. If you ask to get to Jesus, realize that circumstances will test your resolve to get there. As we recognize and understand His spoken words of discipleship, hope and strength bless our trip.

'For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.' (John 17:8 KJV)

Finish Believing

‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." '

(Matthew 16:24,25 KJV)

'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God has made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.'

(1 John 5:9-13 KJV)

'Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? '(James 2:19,20 KJV)

It seems there is an insinuation by John, although you may believe, that the depth of your understanding of the record must be brought to bear. Our work of faith in the Son of God is to ask this of Him, for he who asks receives.