Lessons From The Sand Series

Sermon No. 14

LESSONS FROM THE SAND

By: Atty. Numeriano P. Galgo, Jr.

October 30, 2022

Tagum City, Philippines

attyborgegalgo@gmail.com

Part I.

A. Greetings

B. Overview of the message

The message this morning is taken from nature. God’s creation displays his divine and eternal power. We can see it if we pause a little while and look around. The rainbow reminds us that he will keep his promises, the sunrise teaches us that every day is a new day, and the birds in the air assure us that he will provide for our needs because we are more valuable. Little things teach us great lessons about faith, trust, and hope in God. Today, let us learn from the tiny sand on the seashore. So come with me to the beach!

Our main verse is found in Jeremiah 5:22 which says:

“Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord.

“Should you not tremble in my presence?

I made the sand a boundary for the sea,

an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.

The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;

they may roar, but they cannot cross it.”

C. Prayer

Part II. Discussion

I believe that we all have been to the beach. I love the beach, especially when there’s grilled fish, kinilaw (raw seafood dish), fresh seaweeds like lato (sea grapes), root crops like camote (sweet potato), chili vinegar sauce, and good music. It’s perfect! My work as a lawyer is stressful. I solve somebody’s legal problems, and there are endless deadlines to meet. So I escape to the beach with my family to unwind, relax, and enjoy life. 

The Philippines has many beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Tourists from different parts of the world visit our country to experience the powdery white sands. The famous beach destinations are Boracay, El Nido in Palawan, Siargao, Panglao Island in Bohol, and many more. When we talk about the beach, good memories come to life. We remember the sandcastles, seashells, sunsets, footprints, sunburns, pictures, campfires, foods, family, colorful fishes, stories, laughter, and summer vacations. If you lie down on the sand at night, you will see the lovely stars twinkling in the sky. You also hear the relaxing sound of the waves lapping on the seashore. The beach reminds us of the beautiful moments with our loved ones. 

A. Characteristics of the sand

Of course, we have seen the sand on the beach. It's tiny and light. It easily slips through our fingers. The black sand is even smaller and lighter. Once it dries up, it's easily blown away by the wind. I know this because the sand in my hometown is primarily black. Sandcastles look pretty, but their beauty will not last long because the wave and the wind can quickly destroy them. 

Aside from the sand making the beach beautiful, there appears to be no other reason for its existence. Because of its size, beachgoers walk on it as if it means nothing. Sand is not a good place to construct something. Jesus even said that the man who builds his house on the sand is a foolish builder (Matthew 7:26). But our verse says that God made the sand an everlasting barrier that the sea cannot cross. It's small but terrible. The Lord has used this little thing for a greater purpose. 

B. Characteristics of the sea

On the other hand, the sea is great and broad (Psalm 104:25). It's immense. The oceans hold 97 percent of the water on earth. The sea is restless, and it roars. When the sea rages, it’s fearsome. It can destroy things that lie along its path. The sea has claimed many lives and sunk thousands of ships. It is a symbol of chaos. Tsunamis, storm surges, and tidal waves are weapons of the sea. These are destructive forces of nature. Man has not yet invented the machine that can stop these calamities. 

The sea is also scary. Few people like to swim in deep blue waters. Some people have a phobia of the ocean known as Thalassophobia. We imagine sharks and sea snakes lurking in the deep. I have tried scuba diving on Samal Island, and although it was just 40 feet below, I felt I couldn't breathe anymore. I was afraid that a shark would suddenly appear and bite me to pieces!

When there's a super typhoon, the sea waves transport huge ships from the dock to the middle of the town. When I visited Tacloban, Leyte, after typhoon Yolanda, I saw ships in the residential area. Right now, parts of the Philippines are experiencing the wrath of severe tropical storm Paeng. Those who live along seashores are bracing for their lives. Many have died and still counting. Our prayers go to them. Such is the raging, ruthless power of the sea. 

C. Sand vs. Sea

Compared to the vastness and power of the sea, the sand is too small. Yet, with all its might, the sea is restrained by the tiny sand. It's like a supernatural fence created by God. It's unbelievable! In our verse, the Lord said that he made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. God could have used the rocks or the mountains to stop the sea on its tracks. Why sand? Why this tiny thing? Because God said so. In his wisdom, the Lord had set limitations to his extraordinary handiwork for our benefit. As always, God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).