Erik Pevernagie, a Belgian painter and writer once remarked: “In the land of the ostriches, the blind are king. When politicians bury their head in the sand, ignorance rules the country. ( "High noon." )” Genesis 32:12 reminds us: “But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”
A "Sea of Sand" can refer to many things, including temporary blindness, a lack of perspective or a specific geographic feature. Seas can be vast expanses just like deserts. Perhaps one of the frequent common referrals associated to them is the Great Sand Sea in Egypt and Libya, a vast expanse of sand dunes. Surviving in a "sea of sand," relating to a desert, or its equivalent, is extremely difficult and requires significant adaptations and knowledge. Deserts pose challenges like extreme temperatures, lack of readily available water, and harsh conditions that make it difficult for most plants, mankind or animals to survive.
The Great Sand Sea is a vast sand desert located in the Sahara, primarily in western Egypt and extending into eastern Libya. It's one of the world's largest dune fields, characterized by towering hillocks, some over 100 meters high and 140 kilometers long, oriented northwest-southeast by prevailing winds. The area is known for its extreme aridity, with minimal rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Sand has also been known to cause temporary vision impairment or "sand blindness," particularly in bright, sandy environments like deserts. This is due to the intense reflection of sunlight off the sand's surface, which can strain the eyes and cause temporary difficulty seeing. Additionally, sand can irritate or even scratch the cornea, leading to discomfort and blurred vision. However, sand blindness is not the same as total blindness, and vision usually returns to normal once the eyes are rested and protected from the glare.
Incorrect perceptions of God through a lack of spiritual notions or understanding might be said to be caused by “sand blindness.” Clarity is blurred, even though it may only be on a temporary basis. A lack of lucidity can significantly impair foresight, even for the most devoted or faithful. When individuals lack clear understanding of the current situation, perspectives, or the potential of future landscapes become challenging, rather like walking on deep, but soft sand. Failure to develop effective strategies and make informed decisions can lead to disastrous consequences that can restrict true growth and potential.
A prominent biblical example of a lack of understanding is found in the story of the disciples struggling to grasp Jesus's teachings about His impending death and resurrection. Specifically, John 20:1-10 highlights that even after witnessing the empty tomb, the disciples "still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead". This illustrates a broader theme in the Bible where individuals struggle to comprehend God's ways, even when presented with clear evidence or teachings. The passage reminds us: “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.”
Sand can impede power of movement. It can significantly reduce traction for vehicles, bicycles, and even for walking. Sand's loose granular nature makes it a poor surface for providing grip, causing tires and feet to slip or sink. This leads to reduced control and increased difficulty in progression or deceleration, especially when accelerating or braking at speed.
Excessive quantities of sand can hinder healthy plant growth by negatively impacting soil structure and nutrient retention. While sand is beneficial for drainage and aeration in small amounts, too much sand can lead to immoderate free-draining soil that dries out quickly, preventing plants from accessing essential nutrients and water. Sand may also conceal other elements of danger. Sand was frequently used to conceal mines during World War II, particularly on beaches and in coastal areas. The Germans, for example, developed the Topfmine, a mine designed to be difficult to detect with standard mine detectors. They sometimes coated these mines with a sandy substance called "Tarnsand" to further camouflage them.
The notion of a "sea of sand" can be used as a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties of life, but it's not a universally accepted or direct reflection of those difficulties. While a sea of sand might evoke feelings of vastness, difficulty, and the potential for getting lost, it's more commonly associated with other themes like transience, the passage of time, and the cyclical nature of life.
In religious and spiritual contexts, a "sea of sand" is often used as a metaphor for God's vastness, the abundance of His promises, and the immeasurable nature of His blessings. It symbolizes the innumerable descendants of Abraham, the countless stars in the sky, and the idea that God's plans and love are beyond human comprehension.
There are good and bad qualities to most things in life. It has been said that: “Too much of a good thing can be detrimental to health.” Many philosophical and psychological perspectives suggest that everything in life, including people, situations, and even abstract concepts, can be viewed as having both positive and negative calibers. These distinctions are often seen as relative and context-dependent, meaning what is considered good or bad can change based on individual perspectives, circumstances, or cultural values. George Eliot, an English novelist and poet once remarked: “The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.”
Both literally and metaphorically, sand can provide hope and security, it can aid development, construction, infrastructure and even cherished experiences. Feeling the sand between one’s toes at the beach, watching the waves roll in, or for children of all ages, even the simple act of building a sandcastle can create lasting positive memories. These sensory experiences and associated feelings can be considered "golden moments" - small, often overlooked instances that bring joy, depth and meaning to life.
Sand is practically immeasurable due to the sheer volume and the constantly shifting nature of its granules on beaches and dunes. It's a concept often used to represent vastness or something beyond counting. Hosea 1:10 speaks of a future restoration and redemption for Israel, even after their unfaithfulness and rejection by God. It signifies that they will be restored to their relationship with God, becoming "sons of the living God" and their number will be like the sand of the sea, countless and immeasurable. The passage reminds us: “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.”
Amen.
