top of page
Writer's pictureJohn Coleman

Lions, Tigers, Bears and Sea Monsters

Updated: Jan 19

(rough notes journey through Scripture)

Genesis 1:21 (RSVCE): So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

In the ancient world the depths of the ocean was home to the leviathan, the monsters humankind could not control. It was an unpredictable place that had a certain degree of danger to it, even on a good day. This danger in the depths reminds me of Jesus and the disciples out on the water doing their thing when a sudden storm came out of nowhere and basically consumed them with fear of destruction. (Luke 8:22–25; Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:36–41; John 6:16–21). Jesus calms the storm with his voice in some versions and even walks upon the chaos in others. This is not just some Vegas style miracle. It is a living statement about the world in which we live. There is danger, confusion and chaos but God controls it all. Jesus reminded the disciples through his action that even the things we consider evil are under His foot.


I think Jesus remembered what I need to recall in moments of fear and trembling (and it usually takes a lot less than a life threatening sea storm to shake me). It's a recollection of creation and the beginnings of life. God made it. God controls it. And while these good things can lead to danger, that danger will never overcome.

Recent Posts

See All

What’s Your Burning Bush?!

“I can’t hear you. I can’t see you.” I heard these words not too long ago in Walmart. I rounded the aisle to see a young boy sitting in a...

Mine! Jealousy Revisited

(This year, I am intentionally working my way systematically (again) through Holy Scripture. As a part of that I am writing short rough...

The Altar Within Each Heart

(This year, I am intentionally working my way systematically (again) through Holy Scripture. As a part of that I am writing short rough...

Comments


bottom of page