And He went forth again by the sea side, and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. Mark 2:13
Several families got together for a day at the beach, at a fairly isolated cove where we would have the place pretty much to ourselves. The weather was wonderful, the sand was warm and clean, and the water perfect for swimming. When the children had worn ourselves out with playing in the water and on the beach, we all gathered around a delightful campfire and had a wiener roast. As the evening sun sank lower, we were amazed at the wonderful view, along with the beautiful scenery along the shore. As we sat quietly, enjoying the evening, one of the fathers stepped out in front of us, opened his Bible, and began to read some of Jesus’ parables. He made some brief comments, and quickly wrapped up his message, closing with a short prayer, and got us all singing Sunday School choruses. That wonderful day at the beach seems to me to be much like what the folks in today’s text experienced.
It seems almost fantasy like, to think of Jesus teaching people as they gathered at the sea side. Wouldn’t you love to be there? I believe this is a little picture of our eternal state. Beside the lovely crystal sea, a multitude will gather forever. We won’t be there for the scenery, though; we will be there because our Lord will be there. It is to Him that we will gather. It is to Him that we will listen. And the sun will never set!
We have all known the delight of gathering to listen to an interesting, engaging preacher who caused our spirits to soar as he unfolded the Word of God to our souls. If we could take that picture, and multiply it by a thousand times, we could come up with something that would hint at how wonderful it will be to gather at Heaven’s sea shore and listen to the Lord Jesus teaching us. The most enjoyable conference we have ever attended, the most most uplifting message you have ever heard, the most exciting revelations from Scripture you have ever experienced, all fade to grey when compared to our seaside lessons with our Saviour. Some of the folks who gathered for the lesson in our text will be there, and they might make some comparisons. But when we think of what a wonderful environment awaits us, knowing that we cannot imagine it now, it thrills us at the kindness of our God to such unworthy sinners.
What will Jesus teach us in Glory? He will unfold to us the riches of His grace. What a wonderful eternity awaits us! -Jim MacIntosh