Those of us who believe in God typically also understand that since He created time and space, He’s not bound by them. I think those characteristics are pretty high on the list of qualifications for Supreme Being. There are a few practical examples in the Bible of how God can control time, but I haven’t found so many that show a similar command over space (the dimension, not the, um, general area way up there).
But I was reminded of this while reading in the sixth chapter of John this morning, specifically where John is describing the miracle of Jesus walking on the water. We tend to focus on that amazing feat, which is mentioned in verse 19 of that chapter. However, have you ever really paid attention to what happens next?
Let me set this up for you. Earlier in the day, Jesus had preached to thousands of people at Tiberius, which is sort of on the southwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. This is where He took five loaves and two fish and fed all those hungry folks…with lots of leftovers, to boot. Afterwards, the grateful crowd decided to make Him king (ironic, huh?) and so He made Himself scarce.
His disciples decided they also had somewhere else to be, and so they set out in a rowboat, headed for Capernaum, which is about 10 miles across the lake as the gull flies, up to the north. They had rowed “three or four miles” when Jesus strolled up to the boat, scaring them half to death. But He spoke to them, calmed their fears, and they let Him into the boat…a totally unnecessary gesture to my thinking, since He was obviously faster and more seaworthy than them. And here’s where it gets really good. Verse 21:
Say what? At one moment they and the boat were six or seven miles away from Capernaum; in the next instant, they were…there. Is that not the coolest thing? I just wish John had recorded the reactions of the disciples, because I would have been, like, “wow…do that again!”
Next time you’re in worship mode and acknowledging God as Creator and Ruler over all that was and is and ever shall be, you might just use this verse to reinforce that reality. I know it helps me to remember Who’s in control.
There are other examples of how Jesus tended to ignore what we call immutable laws of nature, such as His apparent ability to make Himself invisible to those who would impose their will on Him before He was ready to permit it. I’ll let you research those examples.
Thanks for pointing that out Eric! I’ll have to go and do some researching! God is good!
Well, the sea of Galilee is smaller than what you’d think it would be. It’s the sort of really large lake that is only called a “sea” by people who’d spent, oh… , 40 years or so in a desert 😛
Oh, you mean like all of us who live in Midland, Texas? 😉
I love this post, Eric.
I’ve always been so fascinated by thinking about that whole time/space thing that this passage has always intrigued me.
I love this post!
I know the story you make reference to Eric. Jesus was surrounded by those that would do him harm. He just walked right through the midst of them and walked away, unnoticed. Was he invisible…or did he simply stop time, freezing everyone and everything but himself for however long it took him to walk through and away from them? All things are possible with God.
He also could pass through solid walls when he wanted to…no need to open locked doors. Some would say that was because he was in spirit form at the time. Not so! He was real, flesh and blood, just as he had been before he was resurrected. He proved that fact to the “doubter” in the group when he invited Thomas to place his hand in the wound in his side.
God is not bound by any natural boundaries in space or time. He moves freely between the past, the present and the future. Not only can he do it…He also can allow one of us to do the same, something I believe he had done countless times for those He thinks “needs” it.
“I’ve been to Calvary” is an oft heard declaration from those who believe and follow after The Son. They are not just words but confessions of truth, a real experience that takes one from the present, to the time of Jesus’ sacrifice there on Golgotha’s hill. It’s not a vision, or a dream but it IS transportation of another flesh and blood human being BACK in time and space so that they might look upon HIM and know without any doubt what took place that day…for us all. How do I know this?
I am one!
Great post, Eric. Believe me, I’ll be thinking about His power over the “laws” of space and time as I sit in rush hour traffic this afternoon.
Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Well, Eric, I wasn’t specifically referring to Midland, or Texas in general, but if the shoe fits……
*duck and cover*
Julie, thanks. I’m not surprised to hear that you’re intrigued by that passage…it’s the sort of exquisite detail that you seem to be able to hone in on (which is meant as a compliment).
Clarence, that is indeed one of the other passages I alluded to. And it sounds like you have a fascinating personal experience to share!
Foo, maybe you need to trade in your car for a boat. 😉
Bob, that pretty much sums it all up, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing that.
Patti, no need to duck and cover. It’s not exactly a secret to any of us that we live in the middle of a desert. We’re all fascinated with stories that take place on or around water, regardless of the size of the puddle. 😉
I’ve enjoyed this post, and the comments. You always manage to put just the right spin on things, Eric. Ever thought about teaching Bible School to second graders? 😉
Stay tuned, Gwynne…stay tuned!