Reading the Gospels can be a real mind bender sometimes. We walk around in time and space and we think we know what is happening. Then we pick up the Bible. I appreciate that the things that are recounted in the Bible, that are outside of time and space, are the reason why so many people think the Bible is fiction or myth. I understand that because 45 years ago I thought that it was fiction or myth. That is no longer my viewpoint.
Take this outside of time and space passage from the Gospel of John. In Chapter 6 Jesus is coming to his disciples. He is walking to them, on the water, in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Yes, he is defying the “laws” of physics by walking on the water. As you might imagine, they were afraid.
20 “But he said to them,’It is I; do not be afraid.’” The mind bending does not stop there. 21 “Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”
One thing I notice is they almost instantly shift from fear to gladness. All Jesus had to say was hey guys it’s just me. No need to be afraid. I guess I’d be glad to know it’s not a ghost, but I would still have a lot of questions.
What really caught my attention was the supernatural transport across space and time as soon as he entered the boat. These two events, from our personal experience, might easily lead us to believe the Bible is not reliable history. But it is.*
What that does for me is to help me considered how finite we are and how vast our Creator is. I like it that way, because I know I do not have all the answers. I like knowing the one who made us, loves us and has gone out-of-the-way to be in relationship with us. It is freeing to me when God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
I actually begin to sigh with relief that I am not the one in charge. This same Jesus who walked on water and teleported a boat full of people has that kind of outside of time and space understanding and power to guide us through the things we do not understand…if we will trust Him. Yes, it is mind bending sometimes. But if there was no wonder and amazement then my God would be too small.
What do you need today from this outside of time and space God? Do not be afraid to ask. God is waiting for us to ask and trust. Then look and watch for your answer.
*Click the link to real a bit more about why my story of learning how the Bible is reliable history.
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