Everybody loves a beautiful beach. Me included. I'm fortunate to live close to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I live about 20 minutes from the ocean, and every chance I get, summer or winter, I head to the beach even if just for a few minutes. It seems Jesus loved being around water as well!
Jesus grew up in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee. There were no bodies of water nearby. The town is set in the hilly countryside. But later, He went and lived in Capernaum, a seaside village located on the Sea of Galilee, about 30 miles from Nazareth. Much of His ministry was centered around the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John from their fishing boats as he walked by the sea. Jesus often went out by boat into the sea and taught from the boat. Jesus did the Sermon on the Mount on the hillside of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus walked on water on the Sea of Galilee. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared on the beach of the Sea of Galilee as the disciples were out fishing, and He cooked them breakfast on the beach, grilling the fish they had just caught.
Jesus liked being by the sea. One of my favorite inspirational verses involves Jesus being by the sea.
On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. (Matthew 13:1 NKJV)
You've heard the phrase, "What would Jesus do?". I think He sets a good example. If it's good for Jesus, it's good for me! And I like to imitate Him as often as I can, sitting on the beach. Why do you think Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea? I'm sure there are many reasons -- to pray, to think, to rest. Perhaps He just needed some solitude and wanted to be around the beauty of creation. All good reasons.
There's just something about being next to a body of water, whether it's the ocean, a bay, a lake, a pond, or a river. Why do people like being close to the water? Maybe it's the calming effect or just the beauty of creation itself. Whatever the reason, a body of water attracts us. Jesus was no different.
When we are around creation's beauty it reminds us of the Creator. And we can't help but be in the mindset of acknowledging and worshiping God. Everything around us is a reminder of Him. People have no excuse to claim there is no God. The evidence is all around us.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20 NKJV)
I remember years ago walking up to a panoramic view on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. There was an incredible view of the river below and the mountains in the distance. I overheard a stranger next to me say, "How can anyone believe there is no God when they see this".
When we look at creation, it reveals His eternal power and divine nature. Everything God has made, the flowers, the trees, and everything of beauty, demonstrates His creative powers. The fact that there is a divine designer is obvious, especially when we look up into the sky, view the stars at night, and the vast universe on display.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4 NLT)
It's good practice to admire and be in awe of the creation around you. Let it prompt you to admire and be in awe of our Creator God as well.
"As I gaze out my window and look at the sky, admiring the color of blue, it reminds me of You.
Watching the clouds as they billow and roll, creating a scene always new, it reminds me of You.
Watching the sun as it's starting to rise, beginning a whole brand new day, it reminds me of You.
A sunset displaying its colors so bright, its beauty makes me want to say, it reminds me of You.
Cause You are my God, the maker of life, Creator of everything."
--- excerpt from the song, "Creator Of Everything", by Chip Vickio
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