"That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And the great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables..."

Matthew 13:1-3

Always before I read scripture, I pray and ask the Lord to reveal things to me. I never cease to be amazed at the revelation, sufficiency, and comprehensiveness of the word of God. Here in chapter thirteen of Matthew, Jesus is getting ready to tell the crowd the parable of the sower. In the parable, Jesus talks about a sower that is sowing seeds into four different types of soil: some on the hard path, some on rocky soil, some among the thorns, and some on good soil. He goes on to explain the parable and the main point is to evaluate the condition of your heart. How are you receiving the word God is trying to speak into your life? Are you going to take hold of what the Lord is trying to say to you? The good news of the story is that the condition of all our hearts can change into good soil. We must pray and ask the Lord to continue to stir up our hearts and make us more Christ-like.

What I found profoundly interesting to focus on about this story is the very beginning. As the crowds are building and gathering on the beach I find it so amazing that Jesus climbs into a boat. I mean, if He was going to address the crowd why didn't He find some high platform to teach from or something! The answer is that Jesus is the Creator of all things. He had the wisdom and knew that the sound of His voice would carry on the water. By climbing into the boat the vibrations from Him speaking would bounce off the waters and create the most natural AV setup in all creation! He knew this, and this is why it is amazing to consider. In Colossians 1:15-16 it reads, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him." This includes me and this includes you! Jesus created all things and has a divine purpose for all of His creation. Just as simple of Him climbing into the boat because He knew the purpose the water would serve in His teaching, Jesus created you with a purpose. I can remember when I was first saved and was in high school we lived by a local river. I would often, at night when it was quiet, go down to the beach to pray and ponder my purpose in life. I would ask God, "Lord, please show me the purpose you have for my life because I surely don't see it." God often uses the crazy, busy, most difficult seasons in life to show you your purpose. You may have convinced yourself that what you are going through is not serving any good purpose in your life, but this is why we walk in faith, trusting the Lord's guidance. Remember today that if God has a purpose for something as small as climbing into a boat, He surely has a great purpose for your life! God has a plan for you and it is for good, to give you a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Pray and ask the Lord to clearly show you the purpose He created you for! And the next time you see some water, remember that you are God's wonderful creation, created with a divine purpose! Always remember your great value and purpose in Christ! Love you all! Praying for you and yours! Have a blessed day, it's your choice! 

                                                                Crownsville, MD