I recently had the privilege of watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean. It sounds a bit strange, since the Pacific is to the west, and the sun rises from the east. But from a cruise ship off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico, every direction is the Pacific Ocean.
Those that know me well know that one of the places I feel closest to God is when I am gazing at the ocean. When I listen to the waves crashing against the shore, I can't help but think that the sound is the same as when God put the first waves in motion thousands of years ago. When I catch a glimpse of sea mammals migrating along the coast, I marvel at the wonder of how they just know when and where to swim each season. And there is nothing like the colors displayed by the sun setting (or rising) in concert with the clouds, and it's a brand new light show every morning and evening!
While God has filled our world with these natural wonders and more, what marvels me even more is how such a creative God, the Creator of the Universe, chose you and me as his most beloved in his universe. But in our sinful nature, we are cut off from God. Yet, the Bible tells us that even in our most unlovable state, God so loved the world that he sent his only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17). At the Last Supper, Jesus told us what exactly God had in mind when he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to the disciples, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:27-28)
Through the brutal death of Jesus on the cross and the amazing resurrection, all who believe in Jesus to save them from their sin can be restored to a right relationship with God. I never cease to be filled with wonder when I think about that.
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