Ruler of the Land and the Sea

Introduction

Who governs the land in a given area?

For example, the United States has clear borders.

We know that any land above the southern border is governed by the United States and land below is governed by Mexico.

There is no question as to who governs because of clearly marked borders.

But, who governs the seas?

Who governs the Pacific or Atlantic ocean?

Who governs the Gulf of Mexico / America?

This week I learned that for the most part, the ocean that surrounds the coast of a given country (12 miles out) is governed by that country.

So, the United States governs the 12 miles of the Pacific Ocean near the cost of California, Oregon, and Washington.

This means, that at mile 12.01, the ocean becomes International Waters and no longer governed by the United States.

One could say, that no country can lay a claim to this area.

So there is now country or government in the world that can say - I claim all the land on planet earth, I claim all the oceans and rivers upon the earth.

The United States is a powerful country but even the US does not have a claim upon the entire planet.

However, in the book of Revelation we learn a fundamental teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ - he claims the entirety of planet earth for himself - lands and oceans.

In Revelation 10 John sees a mighty angel that comes down from heaven.

We know this is not just an ordinary angel but rather a messenger from God; because the word angel can also be translated as messenger.

So, John sees Jesus Christ come down from heaven:

Apocalipsis 10:1–2 ESV

1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. 2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land,

Notice what he does, he sets one foot upon the sea and another foot upon dry land.

In the Old Testament we learn that the placement of one’s foot has a symbolic meaning behind it.

For example, when one an army conquered its enemies, they would bring the kings and military leaders, lay them down at their feet, and put their feet upon their necks to demonstrate they have been conquered.

Also, God promises the children of Israel that whatever land is below their feet is given to them.

Deuteronomio 11:24 ESV

24 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. Your territory shall be from the wilderness to the Lebanon and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea.

So, in this vision, John sees the resurrected Jesus Christ lay claim to the land and the sea upon the earth.

He’s laying a claim upon the entirety of planet earth - because earth is essentially those two things - water or dry land.

Jesus Christ is saying - all of planet earth belongs to me. I am its creator and I rule over all creation.

How does this truth give a suffering church comfort?

Since Jesus Christ rules upon the waters and dry land, we gain comfort knowing that God’s enemies have limited power - only God rules over all.

Since Jesus Christ rules upon the waters and dry land, we know that God’s will will be done because he rules over all.

Since Jesus Christ rules upon the waters and dry land, we know that we can trust him who rules over all, regardless of the circumstances.

Since Jesus Christ rules upon the waters and dry land, we know that he is the ultimate judge and will in the end bring about true justice.