Water: What a Wonder!
Water: What a Wonder!
It’s vacation time and the lake is calling. Or the river, the ocean, the pool. Often when we think of the ideal destination when we want to enjoy some rest and recreation, water may be a part of that vision. When you are at the beach, watching the waves coming in to shore, the rhythm mesmerizes and connects us with the pattern of our breath, slowing us down to appreciate what we see or energizing us to the fun and enjoyment of time spent near water. On a hot day, what could be more refreshing than a cool glass of ice water or a dip in a sparkling pool or a nice shower or bath? Ahh, relaxation and rejuvenation! Biologically, our bodies are made of roughly 60% water. A human can only survive 3-5 days at most without water, some- times much less time, that’s how critical water is to our lives. Across the globe, about 70% of the surface of the earth is covered in water. Historically, civilizations rose and prospered when they had access to good sources of water. Conversely, cities have died when the source of water dries up or the water becomes contaminated. Waterways and watersheds are essential for transportation, energy, agriculture, raising livestock, manufacturing, food production, cleaning, sanitation, and so many things. H2O is some pretty incredible stuff!
In God’s Word there are many references to water. From the point of creation, God’s power in action, miracles and baptisms, Jesus offering living water, there are so many instances of water playing an important role in God’s relationship and interactions with His children and the world. In the story of Noah’s Ark, God uses the water from 40 days and nights of rain to purge the earth of the evil that God saw. God uses His power through Moses to change the water of the Nile into blood as the first plague, sending a warning to the pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Then God parts the Red Sea to allow them to make their escape from life of bondage in Egypt. There is a lesson of humility over pride in the story of Naaman being healed by washing seven times in the Jordan River. In the New Testament, Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine. Jesus revealed His Divinity by walking on water to reach the scared disciples and rebuked the wind and waves to calm the storm with only His words. Jesus met the woman at the well to reveal that He was the Messiah. Water, what a wonder! And the wonderful power of God! Let water be a reminder to us of our Amazing, Awesome, Miraculous, Powerful, Unfailing, Wonder-filled, Gracious God!
Kerry LaVanseler