The expanse of the ocean is wonder-inducing, isn’t it? Don’t you look at the ocean and wonder what more there is to be discovered? What lies under those miles and miles of beautiful, broad expanse?
There’s so much to be discovered. Every day they are discovering an average of FOUR new species in the ocean.* That’s almost 1,500 new species every single year. That’s crazy! We know so much about the ocean, have seen so much, yet there is STILL MORE to be discovered.
I can’t help but think that it’s the same with God. He is an endless ocean.
I (Mark) grew up in the Midwest-in a small farming community. It was a nice little speck of this world with rolling fields, forests, beautiful fall colors and kind of nasally accents. One thing we did not have, however, is the ocean! See, I had heard of the ocean, seen pictures of it, watched documentaries of ocean behavior and ocean life, etc. but can I just say, it is something entirely different to be at the ocean! To see the blue disappear over the horizon as far as the eye can see. To watch sea lions and otters swim past and whales spouting and fluking their tails. But isn’t it crazy that I could come to the ocean and see all this stuff…and never go in? See when you get in the water, you experience something different altogether. You feel the intensity of the waves pulling at your every limb. You experience the adrenaline of surfing on the mighty crashing waves (and rolling with them). And then, just when you think its getting crazy, you strap on a snorkel and fins and go under, and you see first hand that the ocean is teeming with life! You had heard that they are still discovering new animals and species of animals in the ocean all the time, but now you are discovering new animals yourself.
God is an ocean. God is an endless ocean.
I feel like we even see it in all the different ways scripture talks about our relationship with God. Sometimes it describes us as clay in the hands of a potter. A bit disillusioned, but God is forming us. Sometimes it speaks of us as slaves of God or even servants; on the shore, just looking at the water. Then there are the sheep, following the lead of a good Shepherd. But then it gets intimate: Friend of God. One with whom God can share his secrets. Sons and Daughters. God’s own kids! Or how about the bride of Christ! One with Christ-unified, more intimate than lovers! Full-out endless discovery of His ocean depth goodness! Life with Jesus was never meant to get dull, boring or stagnant.
God is an endless ocean, and there is always more of Him to be discovered!
Now, here’s the thing: In this endless discovery of God, we will push past the first glance of hearing about him into knowing Him. And there is a difference between knowing God with your mind—knowing true facts, and the experiential-knowing that comes in pursing our daddy!
I can hear about God and think He’s amazing or even hear what He’s like, but it’s not the same as seeing Him for myself. I can see Him and be astounded at the things He does, the miracles He does, the provision and goodness He shows. I can see His personality and hand at work in super real ways. But it’s not the same as ACTUALLY jumping in that ocean, as actually experiencing Him for myself.
You see, jumping in and participating with Him is an entirely different thing. To actually EXPERIENCE His love, to actually EXPERIENCE His provision, to dip beneath the surface and discover simply being with him.
God isn’t boring. There’s always more of Him to discover. And this is His invitation: “Come, taste and see.” Come drink from the endless well. Come swim in His endless ocean. This is the furthest thing from going to church on Sunday to check it off the list. He has prepared a feast for you! This is the best kind of adventure!
So go for it. Dive in. Grab your snorkel gear. And come alive discovering the reason you’re alive!
*From an article published in 2015, found at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2990729/From-frilled-shark-frogfish-finding-four-new-sea-creatures-day-Scientists-uncover-1-451-new-species-ocean-past-year-alone.html
0 comments