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The Awesome Ruler Of Sea And Sky

Having visited South Padre Island several times, my wife and I have immensely enjoyed viewing the Gulf of Mexico, experiencing the sand between our toes as we walk along its beaches. In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, it seems the water takes on an ominous dark blue color, nearly indigo against the bright morning sky. The inkiness stretches out against the horizon, as far as the eye can see.

My thoughts ponder the idea of how the ocean reflects God who made it — deep, boundless, powerful, unfathomable — both reassuring and fearsome — at once familiar and yet, in many ways inscrutable. As well and as thoroughly as man has explored the oceans of the earth, we have touched only a fraction of their depths. Though we are dependent upon it for life, to a great degree, it remains a mystery to man.

From the beginning of time, there’s good reason why God has repeatedly demonstrated His supremacy over all things by exerting His power over the sea. If God can marshal these great bodies of water, which cover three-fourths of the world’s surface, then we should be able to appreciate the fact that no power is beyond His ability to master (Mark 4:36-41).

It’s awe-inspiring to consider the might of the God who separated the water in the sky from the water in the sea (Genesis 1:6-10), and the Word who holds them apart even now (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). Surveying the grim firmament overhead, offers us a sobering warning to respect Him who rules it. Eons ago, the Psalmist pondered this question:

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).

To the sober-minded man, it seems almost incredible that a God so great should care anything for a creature so small. Yet the wonder is not that God merely regards us, but that while we were yet sinners, He sent His only precious Son to lay down His life for us (Romans 5:8).

Let’s ponder that thought for a moment — a God who can divide sea and sky cares enough for you and me to accomplish the ultimate sacrifice for us. A God in comparison with whom we are like grasshoppers (Isaiah 40:22), sees so much value in us that He would pay the most terrible price to reconcile us to Himself — through the body of His Son, nailed to a cross (cf. Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20).

From the Scriptures, we know that God’s ways are deeper than any ocean and broader than any sky (Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 92:5), and certainly beyond our comprehension to understand by human device. Additionally, He has concealed His mind from those who think themselves wise (1 Corinthians 1:19; cf. Isaiah 29:14), and has revealed them through His written word to only those who will humble themselves like innocent children (Matthew 11:25).

No matter how diligent or how often this writer examines God’s word, there remains deep truths in it, reminding me there is still much to examine (Psalm 92:5; cf. Romans 11:33). Through His inspired word, God has revealed Himself to us as completely as we are capable of grasping (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3), but at the end of our study, we must frankly acknowledge that just when we think we’ve learned all He has to teach us, what we truly have learned, is how very little we know.

This writer continues to be awestruck in contemplating just how great our God is. I am even more amazed when I consider how greatly He loves me, and how great is His mercy and grace on my behalf (Psalm 86:5; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 130:7).

That the God of sea and sky loves me is thus a marvelous thing, motivating me to say along with Moses, “Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty” (Revelation 15:3 NASB; cf. Psalm 111:2).