The Sea

About 71 percent of the earth's surface is covered in water. Of that number, about 96 percent comes from the world's oceans. Most of us spend the vast majority of our lives on land, but there is something beautifully majestic about the ocean, isn't there? Growing up in a landlocked state, the ocean has always intrigued me. I think the ocean is a fascinating place for most people. Think about the number of tv shows currently running about the ocean (beach property shows, deep sea fishing shows, shipwreck shows, shark shows, etc...) The number of friends I know who vacation at the beach, at least annually, is staggering. We are people obsessed with the sea.

On a recent vacation with my family to Seacrest, Florida, I woke up at sunset to walk on the beach in quiet solitude before my crazy crew all woke up. After a short walk, I stood on the beach and stared into the massive water landscape. I snapped the above photo on my phone before returning to the double queen bed hotel room where my kids laid scattered beneath various blankets, still sound asleep. It's a miracle for me to get a picture without some craziness involving my kids in the background, which makes the above photo pretty rare. I especially love how the photo captures the stillness and peace of that morning.

I've always loved the beach and the ocean. Sand in the swimsuit, not so much, but it's part of the experience I guess. The ocean is an amazing place created by an amazing God. We learn in Genesis 1:9 that God placed both land and water on the earth. That is how the world was initially formed. That was the beginning of the ocean.

Fast forward more than a few years, and we learn in Matthew, that Jesus, the Son of God, begins his ministry by the sea. In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus is walking along the sea and sees two brothers who are fishing and casting nets. He called upon the fishermen to follow Him and be "fishers of men." Follow Him they did.

A few chapters later in Matthew, we learn about a storm at sea where Jesus' disciples are panicked and they turn to see Jesus sleeping soundly in the boat. When Jesus is awakened, He tells the storm to be quiet and everything returns to calm. Jesus calmed the ocean that His Father created, and in so doing sent a message to His disciples not only about who He was, but also about who they were. He was the son of God and they were fearful men, who desperately needed Jesus and the love and protection He offers.

In Mark chapter 6 we learn of another account involving the sea where Jesus disciples were battling a strong headwind in a boat, when they see Jesus walking toward them on the sea. Not swimming, not rowing near them in a boat, but walking on the water. Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid, and He got in the boat with them. Just as He did in Matthew, Jesus calmed their fears and took control of the situation.

I love the verse from Proverbs 20:5, which says "The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." We all have a purpose and we shouldn't doubt that fact. In James chapter 1 verse 6 we read "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Doubting and living with fear isn't a new concept, in Exodus as Moses is leading the Israelites out of
Egypt, Moses tells the crowd not to be afraid and to "stand their ground and watch what the Lord will do to save you today." He goes on to tell them, "The Lord will fight for you, and all you have to do is keep still." Shortly thereafter, God parts the sea for the Israelites safe passage and drowns the Egyptian army that gave chase.

In one of the most recognized sea stories from the bible, in Jonah 1, God tells Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach. The city had become wicked and it was Jonah's calling and purpose to go to the city. It being an enemy city, and never before being a missionary to gentiles, Jonah resisted the calling, and fled across the sea. You've probably heard the rest of the story, but Jonah was ultimately thrown into the sea and swallowed by a whale where he lived for three days before being deposited alive on the beach. He goes on to preach to the Ninevites, who repent, and God showed mercy and compassion to the city in the end.

We are a people obsessed with the sea, and for good reason, God gave us this wonderful world to explore. You can see from above, that there are more than a few powerful stories of people and the sea. The following are the quick take aways from the various stories involving the sea: 1.) God is the creator of the Sea. 2.) Jesus is the Son of God and can calm the seas and walk on water. 3.) Do not doubt the purpose God has for your life. 4.) Nothing is impossible with God. 5.) Repent of your sins, and God will show mercy and compassion. If you are looking for calmness, if you are in need of peace, go to God and look no further than the sea.

Much Love, Adam