July 22

Matthew 14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

The disciples were in a raging storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee between 3:00 and 6:00 A.M., (the fourth watch of the night). In the midst of the fierce storm as their boat was being tossed by the waves, they saw Jesus walking on the water, and thinking it was a spirit, they cried out in fear. Can you imagine the panic and fear that must have possessed them? Then they heard the familiar voice of the Savior, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” The tempests that rage around us may be of a different type, such as deadlines, debt, health issues, finances etc., but they are just as real and just as frightening. When these storms are bursting all around us and threatening to inundate us, how wonderful it is to hear the master’s voice, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30