far
more. We would have wanted Him to explain to us how He would hold us
and enable us to walk. But the invitation, "Come," that one word was
enough for Peter.

"Come," said Jesus. What would you have done under those
circumstances? What would I? I suppose I know. I would have said,
"Lord, I'd like to. I wish I could. I've always wanted to do
something magnificent. It has occurred to me again and again as I have
read the record of thy dealings with thy saints that the Christian life
is not to be a dull and drab and unromantic thing. I have felt a
thousand times that the faith of the saints ought to have far more of
buoyancy and enthusiasm and daring and romantic adventure in it than it
has. So since you have bid me come, Lord, I'd like to come. I'll
think it over. Who knows but that I may try it some day?"

But Peter was made out of more heroic stuff. The spirit of adventure
had not died within him. His faith is full of the finest romance.
"Come," said Jesus and immediately I see Peter drop his oar and begin
to climb down out of the boat to go to Jesus.

Some of the commentators are very hard on Peter for his boldness and
seeming foolhardiness here. But I am frank to say that I like Peter
here very much. I suppose most of the critics would have sat very
still in the boat. I shouldn't wonder if they would not have put a
restraining hand upon Peter. In fact, it would not surprise me if some
of his fellow disciples did not do that very thing. I can imagine that
Andrew might have gripped him and said, "Peter, sit where you are. You
can hardly stay on top of the water now." And Thomas would have said,
"Man, are you mad? Nobody ever walked on the water before." But Peter
said, "By the help of Christ I will." And with the "storm light in his
face" and the spray in his hair and with faith in Christ in his heart
he pushes the boat from under his feet.

There is something great about that. There may be much base alloy in
Peter, but there is something fine in him also. He is to be admired if
he never takes a step. He is worthy of praise if he sinks into the sea
as a piece of lead. At least he has dreamed of doing the supernatural.
At least he has dared in the presence of Christ to undertake what
others were afraid to undertake. He has ventured to stake his life on
the power of Christ to make good His promise. If he fails utterly he
is still worthy of respect. It is better to make a thousand fai