One of the many benefits of this curricular gap is the amount of time that I have had to travel all around the country. Nearly three weeks of traveling has led me from coast to coast, I have spent time in both the atlantic and the pacific ocean within the last month. As a natural consequence I have spent plenty of time body surfing, or at least something that resembles body surfing. Now if you have ever done it, you know what I am talking about when I speak of the power and the majesty of oceanic waves.
One of the most interesting places to be on planet Earth is about fifty yards out from the sand on any given beach. As I was floating around out there I was reminded of the oldest game of chicken ever played. As I looked out into the horizon I could see the waves forming as "sets" in the distance. It appears that the good ones come in sets of three. As I watched the the waves come closer, gain speed, form, and eventually break right on top of me, I was reminded of something very serious that had been going on in my life at this point.
Being in the ocean is much like being in a relationship with the Lord. If your wondering how that is so, then lets take a look at it together.
As I sat in the waves I realized that life with Jesus is advanced by the same process as body surfing. Each of us was on the beach at one point. All have at least played with the idea of getting in the water to experience the waves, yet only some actually get in. The same is true with Jesus. Everyone has an opinion about what He is like, yet only a few actually know by experience.
Yet for those that do get into the water, a few things will become clear about the waves. The first reality that is presented when in the water is the terror of the wave. Although it starts small and inviting in the distance, with time and commitment the wave begins to reveal its true nature to those who dare to face it. It is massive. It is powerful. It is entirely in control of the situation. It dictates the terms of the mans survival. A man must be willing to live on the terms of the wave or the man will not live at all. Jesus demands nothing less of those who would dare to meet and follow Him. It is recorded in Matthew's account that Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever would lose his life for my sake will find it."
Christ is giving us the terms of our survival. Either He is given full control, or we will clearly lose our lives. The battle that had been tossing and turning within me was essentially one of control. Was I going to give my plans to the Lord knowing full well that He might dismiss them? Even my plans for ministry? It took an act of submission to His terms to release my plans into His control and authority. Yet if I do not do that in every area, I am divinely guaranteed failure and ultimately death. I will lose my soul if I do not submit it entirely. There is a true cost to following Christ. It means my money, it means my plans for my girlfriend or wife, it means my sins, it means my plans with and for my friends and loved ones, it means His agenda is now my only agenda. It means His will is now my will. There is a cost, and it is everything.
The second similarity presented by the wave is its manifold, awe inspiring beauty. As the wave gets closer to the man it begins to form take shape. Its beauty is clearly displayed when it reaches its apex, which is usually right on top of the one who is in the water. Having submitted to its power, the man is now free to enjoy its beauty as he rides it wherever it to take him.
Jesus Christ is the same. When given full reign, He will do amazing things in the world. Lives will change. Restoration and healing are the products of His love. Whole families will be rebuilt, and those without strength or wisdom will be given both in abundance. For those that are lost and confused, His truth will guide them. For those without the power to defeat their sins, Christ will supply all of the power needed from His very name.
Yet for all of these glorious truths of His love, they will only be given to those willing to get up from the sand and into the sea.
May we never again set foot on dry land.
