Growing up, I loved the sea. When I was younger and learning to swim, I found comfort in using devices that could help me float, so if I got tired, I had something to hold onto. And I think about the men and women who fearlessly sailed unchartered waters, or those who earned a living from the harvest of fish in the sea. When I am by the water’s edge, I am reminded of the accounts where people found their hope by water, through water and from water. And it reminds me of where hope is truly found.
Hope started on a small fishing boat floating in the sea of Galilee. That’s where Jesus saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting their net into the lake. Jesus said “Come follow me” and they left and followed him. This hope, began their journey of a life time, they would become fisher’s of men and never be hungry again.
Hope covered people John baptized in the river Jordan, the same river God caused to float above the land so that the people of Israel could pass through on their way out of captivity and into their journey toward the promise land. Hope brings us out of desolation and into grace.
Hope was in the boat when the storm wailed around the disciples, and fear came over them. Hope spoke and winds were calm. We hope for things that are unseen and we do so by faith, because Hope still speaks.
Hope was on the water, when Peter stepped out of the boat moving toward Jesus, and when he took his eyes off of Jesus, and began to sink, Jesus pulled him up. Hope still pulls up when we start to sink.
Yes, Hope saves. Jesus is our hope, he is our fresh living water. Jesus Always Saves. When our lives feel like it is sinking, and all hope is lost. We look to Jesus, who is our Hope and we float with our gentle Savior, leading us ,and guiding us to safety upon the shore.