Monday, August 11, 2008
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created . . .
CREATION
Do you like to get outdoors? Walk down quiet, wooded paths? Have you ever climbed a mountain? Ever listened to the sad-sweet song of a western meadowlark? Ever gazed through a telescope to see the rings around Saturn? Or peer into a microscope to look upon the amazing workings of a simple cell?
God's creation is all around us. It's there for us to experience, to wonder about, and to marvel over.
But I wonder how often you and I really take the time to "stop and smell the roses." When was the last time you watched the sun set? Do you ever find yourself curious about how a tree grows? Ever wonder what makes the sky blue? Or how a tiny seed can produce such a huge and tasty watermelon?
It seems so much of our time these days is spent in front of the TV or computer. We're obsessed with our high-tech gizmos and gadgets, but take little time to ponder and enjoy the miracles and mysteries of God's incredible world. Many of us know all there is to know about Hollywood movie stars, but very little about the stars which sparkle and dance so precisely in the heavens above.
It's true, we cannot draw closer to God by contemplating his creation. Only the revelation of God's Son, as found in His Holy Word, can strengthen the bond of friendship we have with the one true God. But as people who know the living God through faith in Christ, let us take time to be impressed by the marvel of our Divine Friend as seen in His creative handiwork. Let's be curious about the power and wisdom of our Heavenly Father as we discover them in what He has made. Such curiosity will truly enhance and enliven our time on earth as we await even greater wonders in the new heavens and the new earth yet to come. And truly it is pleasing to God when we take an interest in Him as the Maker of Heaven and earth.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation . . .
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do. Amen.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 39)
