Great Sea Creatures

"So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:21

Several years ago, I was sitting on an oceanfront cliff in Southern California, preparing a sermon. All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye I saw something peculiar, a black flash in the ocean. Putting aside my work, I peered at the quiet sea, but didn't see anything unusual. Then it happened. A giant gray whale emerged from the water, only fifty yards offshore. It flew into the air, allowing me to see much of its body. Then it re-entered the ocean with a prodigious white and blue splash. I was thunderstruck by the sight of such a mighty, glorious creature.

When have you been surprised by the grandeur and glory of God's creation?

PRAYER: Creator God, you created the "great sea creatures," the ones that fascinate us, scare us, and cause us to gasp in amazement. Even before the first whale jumped out of the ocean, you saw it all. Thank you, Lord, for creating such a marvelous and delightful world. Thank you for giving us the capacity to see, to enjoy, and to wonder. May our eyes always be open to the richness of your creation. Amen.