ARE YOU A FOOL OR A SAINT?

Today, April 1, is Palm Sunday. Coincidently, today is also April Fools’ Day.

Today you have a choice – be a fool or a saint. ☺

I know somebody who had to make that decision a few centuries ago. He was a fisherman by the name of Peter. He was amongst his friends when it happened. It was a stormy night and the waves were strong. Peter and his friends were in a boat, far from land and the waves were battering the boat. Then they saw a ghost! They gave it a second look and realized that it was Jesus walking in water.

Then came Peter’s “fool or saint” moment. 

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” - Matthew 14:28 

You remember what happened next. Jesus was up to Peter’s challenge so He invited him over. 

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:29-31 

Can you imagine how the other disciples reacted when Peter started to sink?

Maybe the boat was filled with silent reactions of – 'Oh no!', 'You’re a fool for leaving the boat', "Why did you do it?"

But Peter did not care how others would react. He only had one thing in mind. Follow God. Follow God at all costs. Even to the point of being a fool.

This story of Peter teaches us an important lesson. When it comes to God, be ready to be a fool every time. You don’t have to make a choice between being a saint or a fool. Be ready to be both when you choose to go with God. Every time you make a decision to follow God you are choosing to become a saint. You may reach a point where you feel that you made the wrong one. Do not fear. The reply of Jesus will simply be “have faith, do not doubt”**.

Have a blessed day!


** My personal interpretation of Matthew 14:31