Love Lifted Me

Immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand

and caught him (Matthew 14:31)

One of the most well-known and often sung hymns is, Love Lifted Me. No doubt it was inspired by Jesus’ rescue of a drowning Peter- Matthew 14:31.

Lean

As soon as Peter was rescued, he and others worshipped Jesus-Matthew 14:33. All recognized that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Since everyone was sinking deep in sin, those who have been saved have good reasons to lean on Jesus. He walks on water- Matthew 14:25-28, described by Paul as the Great God and Saviour-Titus 2:13.

Lift

Just as Jesus lifts us from the sea of sin, we should lift Him up in praise-Matthew 14:33. Peter was commended for acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God when others thought he was merely a prophet-Matthew 16:13-18. We can exalt the Lord by putting him first in our lives. In all things He should have the pre- eminence-Colossians 1:18.

Love

When Jesus grabbed Peter from the raging waters, it was an act of love. God is love 1Jn4:8, hence we sing, Love Lifted Me. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Son of God, Jesus related how he would go to Jerusalem to suffer, die and rise again Matthew 16:21. This was his ultimate act of love. Out of love but ignorance, Peter rebuked him-Matthew 16:22, 26:33.

Live

Although Peter made many mistakes in his life-Matthew 16:22-24, it is clear he wanted to be a Christian-1Peter 4:16. He not only preached the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost-Acts 2:14, but was a fearless soldier of Christ-Acts 4:13. Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves, he will lift you by his love, out of the angry waves.

Homework

How do you show gratitude to Jesus?