Understanding the Kingdom of GodSample

The One Who Rules the Raging of the Sea

When we look at all the evil, violence, suffering, and chaos in the world, we are often overwhelmed. Where is God? Is He even in control?

The ancient Israelites also wrestled with these questions. They used a very powerful metaphor to communicate the nature and reality of cosmic chaos: the raging sea. The Israelites feared the sea because it was a place of uncontrollable chaos. The sea is an inhospitable place for human beings. It is vast and dark, with frightening creatures lurking in the deep. The sea becomes especially chaotic and destructive during stormy weather. Nobody wants to be on a boat in such conditions.

In the Bible, the metaphor of the raging sea refers to the supernatural forces of darkness that stand behind all the evil and chaos in the world. These powers are also personified as a great and terrifying sea monster (or sea serpent). This “sea monster” has many names in the Bible, such as Leviathan or Rahab (and Satan in the New Testament). The nations rage because they are under the dominion of Leviathan. When Adam and Eve sinned, they handed their God-given authority to rule Creation over to the forces of darkness. The result was sin, suffering, and destruction for humanity. The waters of chaos covered the earth.

The Biblical authors, however, also proclaimed that there is Someone who defeats the powers of chaos. That Someone is God. God is the One who rules the raging sea. He is the One who defeats the sea monster and brings peace, order, and redemption to His people. This is where the idea of salvation comes from. God saved Noah and his family when the waters of chaos covered the earth. God saved the Israelites from the power of Egypt (also called Rahab) and their gods by splitting open the Red Sea so His people could enter the Promised Land.

In Matthew 14, God rules the raging sea again in and through Jesus. He walks on the stormy waters. He subdues the powers of chaos. He saves Peter from drowning and calms the waves. He brings order amid chaos.

This story also points forward to the Cross, where Jesus would once and for all crush the head of Leviathan. At the Cross, Jesus ultimately became the One who rules the raging sea. As God’s children, we have been saved from the power of chaos. That is why we can proclaim: Our God saves! Our God reigns!

Where do you still see chaos ruling in your community? Spend a few minutes in praise and worship and proclaim the reign of God over these situations.