With Jesus By the Sea

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.”

-Matthew 13:1

There’s something about this picture that is striking. It is the Creator of the universe, the one who made the sea, sitting beside it, perhaps contemplating its beauty as he seeks a moment of silent retreat.

But also, it’s just so ordinary. I have walked out of a house (or hotel) and sat beside the sea. I have sat and pondered the power, majesty, and mystery of the universe and its Lord and Creator, illustrated in the power, majesty, and mystery of the sea. I have retreated to the seaside seeking solitude and silence.

I am in awe of how profound Jesus is, so exalted as the Creator of all—such power, majesty, and mystery embodied in this most holy one. I am in awe that he gathers crowds (usually unsolicited) and takes time to teach them the mysteries of the revelation of God and God’s kingdom, doing so in parables that they can understand and often using images drawn from his own creation.

And I am in awe that he humbled himself to become so like me, contemplating his creation, seeking solitude and silence, himself in awe of power, majesty, and mystery. And so, because he is so exalted and yet so humble, we can sit together beside the sea...even if sometimes the sea is only my soul.