“On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then He spoke many things to them…” Matthew 13:1-2

Living Water

I grew up playing in creeks and swimming in lakes and fishing in rivers. I love water in all its various forms. In the summer I would dash outdoors to play in the warm showers of rain and splash in every puddle I could find. I did not see the ocean until I was 18 years old and it took my breath away. Oh, the vastness of these waters, the power and beauty they display. I love the serenity of waters, the sound of waters, the smell of falling rain or the saltiness of the beach air.

And so to know that Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea delights me. It is indeed a pleasant thing to sit by the sea. He engaged people at the sea. As they gathered to Him, He accommodated them and adjusted to their needs by getting into a boat so that they could more easily see and hear Him. Jesus is like that.

Jesus gave them His attention. He taught them. He spoke many things to them. He told them parables of the kingdom. He told them stories impregnated with spiritual truths.

I picture myself on that faraway seashore listening to Jesus. What a joy that would have been! And yet I can do that this morning as I find my spot on this beach of devotion and listen for His words to me. He is on the sea and I am on the shore, but I can see Him and I can hear Him. He is still speaking, still teaching, still telling me stories about divine things and the glories to come. He teaches me how to live out this life, how to love as He loves, and how to apply the truth of His words.

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters” (Psalm 29:3).

“If anyone thirsts let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).

“Your Spirit hovered over the waters at creation. You set the bounds of the ocean waves. You set the rivers in their courses to the sea. We delight in the waters of Your creation. Yet our greatest treasure and our greatest need is the living waters of Your Spirit within. Rain on us, Spirit of God. Amen.”