I AM

"When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and they took a boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and still Jesus had not [yet] come back to them. Meanwhile, the sea was getting rough and rising high because of a great and violent wind that was blowing. [However] when they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching the boat. And they were afraid (terrified).

But Jesus said to them, It is I; be not afraid! [I AM; stop being frightened!]

Then they were quite willing and glad for Him to come into the boat. And now the boat went at once to the land they had steered toward. [And immediately they reached the shore toward which they had been slowly making their way.]" - John 6:16-21

What a jewel within a familiar tale of Jesus! Jesus is crossing atop the water to the beleaguered boat full of His disciples. Amidst the wind and storming waves, their leader approaches in a manner outside their understanding. Other versions say they feared He was a ghost.

Then He reveals Himself: "I AM; stop being frightened."

I AM, God's simple and succinct and profound name for Himself. Is any other clarifier needed? I AM creator, provider, protector, almighty, incomparable, unchanging, love everlasting...

I AM.

Solid, faithful and steadfast. No need to fear, I AM more than anything. What reassurance in the midst of an unnerving storm! God reminding who and what He is.

But this is Jesus speaking, revealing Himself not only as Son of God, but Emmanuel, God with us.

I wonder, did the disciples feel an outpouring of peace as their Prince stepped into the boat? Did the wild weather fade out of their awareness as they took in His words?

Is this not how Christ comes to us in our trials and storms? Walking into our circumstances unaffected and master of them. Reaching out as we flounder, probably praying, "HELP!!"

How often does He need to hail us with a reminder of Who He is when we are buffeted and focused on our struggles? Or is it just me that gets swamped in this life? And, like the disciples, need a few moments to move from "what now" to "oh thank you, Lord," to "welcome aboard, Captain!"

It doesn't say, in this version, that Jesus calmed the weather. No, only that suddenly they could quickly reach the shore they had been battling unsuccessfully toward. Safe harbor.

To me this was a delightful story for this Advent season as I prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the tempest-tossed world, to welcome once again the Prince of Peace who tells us, "Fear not! I AM here with you."

I'm a collector of Scripture verses; what verses remind you that God is with you and you need not fear?

Blessings,

Becca