In 2002 the ScenicView Academy director commissioned artist Gary L. Kapp to paint an original oil depicting the New Testament account of the Apostle Peter’s walk upon the water and Peter’s personal struggle with faith and fear as recorded in Matthew 14:24-33.

At the Savior’s biding, Peter set forth in faith to meet the approaching Savior, but the seasoned fisherman soon shifted his focus from the Savior to the boisterous, threatening waves. Fear replaced faith, and the billows of the deep began to swallow Peter, thus evoking this fisherman’s sinking plea, “Lord, save me.”

Jesus responded to Peter’s cry and stretched forth a saving hand along with soul-searching question, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Together, “When they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”

In a contemporary aspect, the waves represent the challenges of this world. At periods of time these challenges may become a tempest. Even the most seasoned and experienced traveler of life’s waters may lose faith and succumb to fears. Sinking feelings may drag one down into the depths of despair, yet, if a person will reach and plead unto God, even in the smallest remaining hope of faith, he/she will be lifted.

In our Savior’s loving manner he not only solidified Peter’s steps again but also gave Peter some personal counsel. Peter and the Savior continued their walk together among the tumultuous waves until they reached the boat. Only then did the wind cease.

How kind and wise was the Savior not to still the tempest immediately after Peter’s rescue. Instead, with the Savior at Peter’s side, Peter continued walking the tempest until reaching the boat. Such an experience proved a master teaching moment and an act to renew Peter’s confidence and faith that with the Savior by his side, he could walk the tempest.

Each person who ponders this scripture may further personalize this event in other significant ways. Thus, the Savior’s life and teachings are able to embrace all mankind; yet touch individual hearts.

Cynthia H. Gale   (Commentary copyright 2002)

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Save Me
Cynthia H. Gale (Copyright 2002) 

This walk of faith that we call life
Must sometimes cross the sea

A pleasant passage shore to shore?
There is no guarantee.

The tempests toss. The billows roar;       
The night a grosser threat.

I focus on engulfing woes.
Fear fills my mind, and yet,

An act of hope thrust high my hand.       
The sinking I defy.

A light of faith is sparked within.         
“Lord, save me!” is my cry.

My call is heard. My hand is grasped.        
  I rise from depths of fear.

“Look unto me. Heed no the waves,     
 And trust that I am near.”

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Prints

For larger prints or for purchasing in large quantities, please contact ScenicView Academy directly by phone at 801-226-2550 or by emailing info@svacademy.org