"Ocean"

They tried to sell the ocean,

But they got in quite a fight,

About just how to do it,

And how to get it right.

Some thought it was the broad expanse,

The horizons and the scope,

Of all the endless vistas,

But others argued nope,

It’s the beauty of the beaches,

Where people splash and play,

But others cried out danger,

That’s where sharks have had their day.

Some thought it was the fishing,

The bounty of the sea,

Or the oil beneath the water,

That value was the key.

The called together councils,

They issued statements, too,

They preached on social platforms,

And all so they could prove,

That their pitch was the right one,

And the others, not so much,

And in staying so divided,

They fell right out of touch,

With those who loved the ocean,

And those with greatest need,

To know its awesome majesty,

And their souls to feed.

And still the sellers quibbled,

‘Bout the songs the others sang,

And how they weren’t acceptable,

Harsh criticisms sprang.

They spent more time a-fussin’,

With each other ‘bout it all,

When they could have celebrated,

And heard the ocean’s call.

No one can sell the ocean,

But this story is about,

Something more important,

Of that there is no doubt.

The great God of the universe,

Has his folks here on this earth,

To do just one thing only,

To show just what He’s worth.

And just a thought in that regard,

Please give each other grace,

To better spread the Gospel,

And to save some face,

And if we get back to it,

We won’t have to prove we’re right,

Just point ‘em to the ocean,

And the Lord of love and light.

Jesus prayed: “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21, NAS)

Jesus not only prayed for His immediate followers in this prayer, but also for those who would later believe. That includes us! Yet it is very difficult to see unity among Christian believers these days. Many things divide us that don’t really matter- worship styles, the choice of music, how we organize our churches, where we meet, the appropriate dress code, etc., etc. The more time Christians spend taking shots at each other about the best way to spread the Gospel of Jesus, the more hampered our mission will be. Why? Because of what Jesus prayed. The odds go up they will believe in Jesus if they see Christians who can get along with each other. It’s something to think about.

Lord, teach us the oneness for which Jesus prayed, in His name we ask.

Photo by J.L. Grief, used by permission. Thanks, John, and God bless you.