DAY 10

KINGDOM CULTURE

JOHN MACDONALD, LEAD PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:22–33

When Jesus began His public ministry, one of His first and most important acts was to call twelve ordinary men to follow Him. These twelve disciples would become His closest students and eventually the foundational leaders of the early Church. But here’s the remarkable thing, Jesus didn’t choose the best or the brightest. He didn’t pick the religious elite or scholars from the top schools. Instead, He called fishermen, a tax collector, and everyday workingclass men.

This wasn’t an accident or a mistake. It was a deliberate choice that says a lot about the Kingdom of God. It also says a lot about you and me.

Imagine the disciples for a moment. They weren’t shining examples of perfection or achievement. They weren’t intellectual giants or social celebrities. According to the Jewish educational system of the day, these men hadn’t made the cut for advanced religious training. They worked with their hands, made an honest living, and probably would have faded into the background of society.

Yet, Jesus saw something far beyond their resumes and their backgrounds. He saw their hearts. He saw their willingness to leave everything behind and follow Him.

If you’ve ever doubted whether God could use you because you don’t have the right qualifications or background, take heart. Jesus’ call to these ordinary men proves that what matters most to God isn’t what you’ve done or how impressive you seem, but your willingness to say ‘Yes’ to Him.

As these twelve men walked with Jesus, they quickly realized He was unlike anyone they had ever met. His words carried an authority and clarity that cut straight to the heart. His miracles revealed power over sickness, nature, and even the spiritual forces of darkness.

The disciples saw broken people made whole, eyes once blind opened, cripples walking, and even death defeated. They witnessed Jesus cast out demons with a word. They watched Him command the wind and waves to be still. In every moment, they glimpsed the Kingdom of God breaking into their world—a kingdom where mercy reigns, truth stands firm, and power is wrapped in humility.

This was not just a new set of religious teachings; it was a whole new reality.

One of the most vivid stories in the Gospels is when Jesus walks on the water and calls Peter to join Him. Picture Peter gripping the side of the boat with white knuckles, heart pounding, wrestling with fear and faith. Then he steps out, literally stepping out of the familiar into the impossible.

This moment is a powerful picture for all of us. The boat represents everything we consider safe and sensible. The boat is the familiar patterns, the worldly systems, the limits of human reasoning. Jesus stands outside that boat, inviting us to step into a new reality, His Kingdom reality. Where the impossible becomes possible because of who He is.

Peter’s first steps were miraculous; he was actually walking on the water. But when fear crept in and he looked at the wind and the waves, he began to sink. What happened next is just as important. Jesus reached out His hand and lifted him up, not to condemn, but to restore him to His Kingdom reality.

Each follower of Jesus faces the same invitation Peter received: stay safe inside the boat, clinging to what’s known and “secure,” or step out in faith and live by the authority and power of the Kingdom of God. The worldly kingdom is ruled by fear and limitations, but the Kingdom of God operates by faith and divine authority.

Which will you choose?

Will you live within the boundaries set by the world’s definitions of safety, success, and control? Or will you say “Yes” to Jesus’ call to walk in the supernatural power and presence of His Kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit here and now?

Jesus’ choice to call ordinary, rough-around-the-edges men to be His first disciples offers incredible hope to all of us. It says that no matter where you come from or what your past looks like, you can be part of God’s Kingdom purposes. Your doubts, your mistakes, your lack of credentials: none are a barrier to God’s grace and calling.

You don’t have to be perfect or polished. You just need to be willing to say “Yes” and follow Jesus.

Living out Kingdom culture means more than just believing in God. It means embracing the truths and realities of heaven right here on earth. It means knowing that the same power that healed the sick, calmed storms, and defeated darkness is available to you.

It means stepping out of your boat. It means leaving behind fear, limitation, and comfort to enter a life marked by faith, authority, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

You may not always walk perfectly. Peter didn’t either. You may face storms and doubts, but the difference is that Jesus is right there, ready to lift you up and bring you back into the fullness of His Kingdom.

REFLECTION: Where in your life are you still holding onto the “boat” of safety and comfort rather than stepping out in faith?

What fears or doubts keep you from living fully in the reality of God’s Kingdom?

How can you begin to trust Jesus more deeply and walk in His authority today?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people like me to follow You. Help me to hear Your voice above the storms and to step out of my comfort zone into the new reality of Your Kingdom. When fear tries to pull me back, remind me that You are reaching out Your hand to lift me up. Teach me to live by faith, walk in Your authority, and carry Your presence wherever I go. I choose to say “Yes” to You today. In Your name I pray, Amen.