Normally, I consider the authors of scripture to be very wise, but I have to disagree with their anti-ocean bias. In scripture the ocean is usually a source of chaos and destruction. Revelation even says in the new heaven and earth, the ocean will be no more. I’m hoping that’s just a metaphor. I love the ocean. It’s where I feel most connected to God because I can’t help feeling incredibly small compared to the ocean and God’s vastness, which only heightens my awe for a God who made all this and who still loves even me.
Also, like God, the ocean sustains the lives of millions of incredible creatures. One morning early on our cruise, a pod of whales decided to show off for us; fins slapping, blowholes blowing, flukes… fluking? It was incredible seeing those giant creatures having swimming and playing within sight of us. People crowded up against the dining level windows to watch. Then something I found remarkable happened.
One of the workers stopped picking up dishes, set down his tray, and craned his neck over the crowd to look at the whales too. He smiled at them. I don’t know how many trips he has been on, but I think he has been on plenty. We were certainly not the first cruise of the summer. He still wanted to drop what he was doing to see the whales. If I ever feel jaded or cynical, I hope I remember the man who could still be impressed by God’s creation.
Blessings,
Pastor Luke
Normally, I consider the authors of scripture to be very wise, but I have to disagree with their anti-ocean bias. In scripture the ocean is usually a source of chaos and destruction. Revelation even says in the new heaven and earth, the ocean will be no more. I’m hoping that’s just a metaphor. I love the ocean. It’s where I feel most connected to God because I can’t help feeling incredibly small compared to the ocean and God’s vastness, which only heightens my awe for a God who made all this and who still loves even me.
Also, like God, the ocean sustains the lives of millions of incredible creatures. One morning early on our cruise, a pod of whales decided to show off for us; fins slapping, blowholes blowing, flukes… fluking? It was incredible seeing those giant creatures having swimming and playing within sight of us. People crowded up against the dining level windows to watch. Then something I found remarkable happened.
One of the workers stopped picking up dishes, set down his tray, and craned his neck over the crowd to look at the whales too. He smiled at them. I don’t know how many trips he has been on, but I think he has been on plenty. We were certainly not the first cruise of the summer. He still wanted to drop what he was doing to see the whales. If I ever feel jaded or cynical, I hope I remember the man who could still be impressed by God’s creation.
Blessings,
Pastor Luke