Today’s Scripture Readings

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

The episode of The Chosen where Peter leaves the boat to walk on the water towards Jesus was profoundly moving. The film captured Peter’s dual experience: confident and steady while his eyes were fixed on Jesus but sinking the moment his gaze shifted. He only needed a glimpse of a massive approaching wave out of the corner of his eye to lose his focus and begin to sink. Today’s scripture reminds me of that scene.

To be prepared to stand before the Son of Man, we must keep our focus fixed on Jesus. However, the world’s distractions—specifically dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of this life—can easily overwhelm us. Even seemingly minor activities like mindlessly scrolling through social media reels or engaging in online shopping can be a form of this dissipation.

It is challenging to navigate the tension between avoiding life’s anxieties and fulfilling the responsibilities of adulthood. This struggle can make the temptation of escaping through sensual pleasure quite appealing. The sole answer to this dilemma is found in Jesus. The only way forward is to intentionally dedicate time to our relationship with Him and maintain a consistent focus on Him.

The emotional climax of The Chosen episode, depicting Peter walking on water, centers on his desperate cry ‘Lord save me, I’m sinking.’ Jesus reassures him, ‘I got you, just keep your eyes on me.’ Even when Peter’s focus wavers, his repeated, heartfelt plea, ‘Don’t let me go,’ powerfully conveys that calling out to Jesus is enough for Him to immediately reach out and save us.