Scene, Seine, Seen

2 days ago

2 min read

For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things. —Colossians 1:16 GNT

(photo credit: Bronwyn Beth)

When I first saw this picture, I assumed it was taken of a painting — a scene from Bible times. Instead, it was taken just last month along the New Jersey shore.

It is a beach scene — I mean a beach "seine." Fishermen are practicing a method called "seine fishing," dragging a large net through the water to gather fish. It is a scene that could have been seen in the days of Jesus.

How much has really changed in the way humans exist? Though technology has changed our world, people still labor together and draw their food from the earth's bounty — dependent on God's creation for their daily sustenance.

The God of Heaven knows this scene completely. He sees the fishermen, the sea, the fish, and even the hidden currents below the surface! He knows ALL that is seen and unseen, including the secret thoughts, hopes and wounds within each of our hearts.

Lord, pull Your net through this heart of mine. Capture the things of value and help them grow. See if there be any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:24)

O my soul, what are you doing? Are you not aware that God sees you always? You can never hide yourself from his sight. — St. Catherine of Siena, The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena (Dialogus Sanctae Catharineae), 1370 A.D.

PS: For a deeper devotion with a guided Visio Divina exercise, spread your branches today and upgrade to Visio Divina devotions. Also in this week's post you'll find "The Balm of Psalms" — a devotion from Strength & Grace magazine.