You ever wonder how deep and vast the ocean is? This question was posed to me by a very close friend, Jake Roche. Any chance he gets to head to the beach he always finds himself contemplating that question as he scans the never-ending sea of blue. The probing of that question is a constant reminder of the extent of God’s love. Jake goes on to say, “That’s right, there is a love that runs so deep not many people can comprehend it.” Exploring the depth of God’s love builds the foundation that we need not worry about our worth from others or depend on their validation to feel loved. We just need to accept we are loved by an amazing God. As we journey together, we will dive deep to uncover the price that was paid for us, in order to live to the fullest. Today is the day you take center stage because you are the most magnificent star God created.
First, to comprehend God’s love it far exceeds our wildest dreams. For example, the deepest part of the ocean is called the Challenger Deep and is located beneath the western Pacific Ocean in the southern end of the Mariana Trench, which runs several hundred kilometers southwest of the U.S. territorial island of Guam. Challenger Deep is approximately 10,935 meters (35,876 feet) deep, according to science American.com. “Can you imagine the pressure underneath all that water? Your ears popping as you go deeper and deeper. You can only go so far,” Shares Jake.
According to Ephesians2:4-5, Paul expresses the enormity of God’s love for you, “But because of His great love for us God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” The Challenger Deep is one inch in depth as compared to God’s love for you. It expands over time and space to reach you. The universe and all the components found in it; like stars and galaxies could not contain His love. God thought about you when He created the universe. “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4). You are not an accident and were created with a purpose in mind. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah29:11). When you build your foundation on the love of God there is always light at the end of the tunnel. What awaits you is hope and a blessed future.
In addition, with all our defects and imperfections God reached out by sacrificing his only son for us. When we should have paid the price as we are all found guilty, Jesus stepped in as our replacement. If you’re not feeling loved today and hurt by this world, Jesus offers you hope. Your value is incomprehensible. Though you may believe you’re counted out, the Lord counts you back in. You have not reached the ten counts.
In Isaiah 53:4-5 we find the expression of his love, “Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” His love is the source for peace, salvation, and healing. The only requirement is to accept the exchange of your old self for the new creation in Jesus. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Matt 16:24 NIV). As you follow Jesus, your burdens become lighter. Jesus shares, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).
During a recent trip Kayaking with Jake, I learned the freedom and beauty of the Hillsborough River up close. We ventured into pockets of water ways and paddled under bridges. Nature was literally at my fingertips as I was captivated by the silhouette of fish swimming by me. For years I would drive over the various sections of the river by bridge only to behold the grandeur at a distance. The Kayak provided me with a newfound freedom. Jesus is in essence is our spiritual kayak; giving us access to life we could never dream of unless we jump aboard. A new world of possibilities that never ends awaits you. “He loves you that much and so much more”, affirmed Jake as he drifted in the stream allowing the river to navigate the journey.
Next the depth of crossing over to a new life was illustrated by an interaction Nicodemus had with Jesus. During one evening Nicodemus a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council inquired about Jesus and his teachings. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he knew Jesus was different. I could imagine Jesus in a kayak slowly drifting in the murky water as Nicodemus provides probing questions and statements about life on land. In verse 2 Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is different than anyone he had ever met before; “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
In the darkness of night as the water danced with the Kayak like a ballerina, you could see the moon cascading on the water swaying with a gentle ebb and flow. My mind imagines this interaction on the Alafia River in Florida. Can you gently close your eyes (not if you’re driving) and create a moment of stillness as Jesus reveals the key that unlocks God’s love for humanity? Jesus explains that transformation must begin with a new birth. In verse 3-5 of the book of John, He explains that the new hope which is derived from a new birth must be spiritual. Not an earthly birth of flesh rather one born of water and spirit. Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-8 NIV).
As we further examine, Nicodemus struggled as he grappled with this newfound paradigm shift, “How can this be? ”Nicodemus asked. Jesus begins to reveal his very essence. Nicodemus could only understand what he knew based on his own experienced. We face the same question, “how can we change and be born again?” “This is me…, how can I ever be a new person?” This is self-talking back at us. It’s a fair question that even the elite thinking minds like Nicodemus grappled with. I can visualize Jesus extending his hands as he balances on the tranquil water, “You are Israel’s teacher,” and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still, you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things, and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven, the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 10-15 NIV). Jesus asked Nicodemus as he brings upon the same request for us, are we willing to crossover by believing in Him? Can we transfer our past life for a new life on the kayak holding on to the master’s hand and saying yes?
Finally, the scene is set, and you are the star that God’s shines His love on. Hold fast to this foundational truth that God the Father sent His son Jesus for you! Don’t doubt who you are because you are a child of the King. You were born for greatness because you were born with a price.
Dive Deep:
- How much do you believe God loves you? Explain
- What makes the journey difficult at times regarding our faith?
- What does it mean to be born again