Walking on Water
April 30, 2015
READ: Matthew 15:25-29
Ashley and I have just spent several days in south Florida near Fort Lauderdale. We enjoyed the different climate and animals there. We saw Ibis, Iguanas, Manatees, Rosy Spoonbills, and Basilisk Lizards. The basilisk has the ability to run on its back two legs. This lizard is often referred to as the Jesus Lizard due to its ability to run across water for significant distances before sinking. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of almost 5 feet per second for approximately 15 feet before sinking and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while “water-walking” to increase the distance travelled above the surface by about 4 feet. Now we didn’t actually see one run across the water, but we did see them run on their hind legs. When we read the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter walking out to join Him, we may find it hard to believe. Yet in nature we find this creature that can. The amazing thing to me is how Peter, a seasoned fisherman, asks Jesus to command Him to walk on the water. He succeeds as long as he has faith and keeps his eyes on Jesus. The key is, “you have to get out of the boat.” What is God calling you to do that seems impossible? I might try some “water-walking” like the Basilisk. Will you?
Ashley and I have just spent several days in south Florida near Fort Lauderdale. We enjoyed the different climate and animals there. We saw Ibis, Iguanas, Manatees, Rosy Spoonbills, and Basilisk Lizards. The basilisk has the ability to run on its back two legs. This lizard is often referred to as the Jesus Lizard due to its ability to run across water for significant distances before sinking. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of almost 5 feet per second for approximately 15 feet before sinking and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while “water-walking” to increase the distance travelled above the surface by about 4 feet. Now we didn’t actually see one run across the water, but we did see them run on their hind legs. When we read the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter walking out to join Him, we may find it hard to believe. Yet in nature we find this creature that can. The amazing thing to me is how Peter, a seasoned fisherman, asks Jesus to command Him to walk on the water. He succeeds as long as he has faith and keeps his eyes on Jesus. The key is, “you have to get out of the boat.” What is God calling you to do that seems impossible? I might try some “water-walking” like the Basilisk. Will you?
– Dr. Neil Epler