Over my life span so far, I have probably read a couple thousand books. Several times in that number of books, I have done some research. Yet, nothing has so challenged and quickened my soul, sparked my curiosity and imagination as have the videos and podcasts of The Bible Project.
Jan and I are sitting on the beach-level porch of a condominium in Panama City Beach, Florida. We are two days into a two-week stay. I can barely see my laptop screen because of the glare, and the palms of my hands stick to their resting place on the keyboard. The wind is mercilessly rushing through my ears. I am soaking up the shade, and she is soaking up the sun while slathered in sunscreen. I could go in, but then I would have to leave Jan. I am not a beach person. But she is! And I am a big fan of Jan! I get enough pleasure from her getting pleasure from the beach.
The span of white sand between us and the water is littered with people, primarily families giving their children their first taste of “salt life” or a break from video games. They are all making memories to retell in the decades to come, as I recall memories of decades gone by.
I am contemplating life in general as the signs of humanity’s presence are filtered out, leaving only the expanses of sky, sea (Gulf), and land. That’s where The Bible Project is massaging my accumulations of research and meditation. Much of it is the due diligence necessary for sermon preparation but most for survival.
The realization is dauntingly overwhelming as it occurs that this is the place where Genesis 1 introduces us to God. Let’s refresh our memory of Genesis 1:6-9;
6 Then God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, separating water from water.” 7 So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above the expanse. And it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.” Evening came and then morning: the second day.
9 Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of the water he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. (CSB)
Here I stand on the Florida coast with my head in the “sky,” my feet on the “earth” while gazing over the gathered “seas.” That’s pretty cool! All three physical spheres of creation are within my human experience at one time. This is where the sea swimmer, the sky flyers, and the terra trotters all interact with each other. As long as we all respect each other, we get along fine. But unfortunately, it doesn’t take much disrespect to invite an abundance of disorientation, confusion, and suffering.
Today, the sky is clear enough to allow the horizon to draw a distinct line of separation. The low yet lightly foaming waves noisily hammering the shoreline also show a distinct separation. The tall condos containing the non-coastal livers form an artificial horizon to the north where land and sky meet. This magnificence of God’s work is a beautiful call to worship for me when allowed to steep in the soul.
The interpretations of what the Bible says in these verses are varied and divisive for many. If all that is important to you, and I am not saying it isn’t, stay on your Kingdom journey. I need you and your witness. But for me, right here and right now, the words of these verses are stimulating and attractive, and inspiring. The Word is speaking to me, and I am enjoying my visit with Yahweh in His awe-inspiring craftsmanship.
Photo – Nearly every day is closed out with a vibrant sunset. This photo was taken this past week from the jetty in St Andrews State Park east of Panama City Beach.
Baldwin Heirlooms 