The Beauty of God’s Creation
Why six days? Have you ever asked that question? Why would God spend six days creating the universe when He could’ve done it in a blink of an eye? I believe God was showing us how much He cherishes the diversity of life. By designating six separate days, He showcased each part of His creation for you and me. When looking back at His creation, God blessed it, knowing what He had created was good. The sun and the moon, the stars and the planets filled the galaxies with splendor. The mountains and the valleys, oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes were created not only for His pleasure but ours as well. The trees and all vegetation covered the earth bringing both provision and enjoyment. The animals; both great and small, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and the myriad of insects on both land and sea prepared the way for God’s greatest creation: humankind. All of God’s creation was and is precious in His sight. God cherishes His creation, and He expects us to do the same.
Experiencing God’s Splendor
While pastoring my first church, on occasion, I would go camping by myself Friday and Saturday. Finding the most remote place possible, I would set up camp. Sitting on a rock, I watched the Symphony of Life on full display. I remember on one occasion, several deer pranced across the terrain, occasionally stopping to graze. From a distance, I heard a rustling sound as a fox, its ears piercing through the blades of grass, searched for the field mice scurrying below. A hummingbird buzzed by my ear as other birds flew overhead. They filled the sky with splendor as they darted in and out of the field singing their chorus of praise. The trees danced in unison as a fresh breeze delivered needed relief from the scorching summer evening. Scattered throughout; Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, Texas Bluebells, along with other beautiful flowers, cast their intoxicating fragrance and elegance to an already perfect setting. Mesmerized, I watched as dragonflies, bees, butterflies and grasshoppers, completed the colorful canvas, declaring the beauty of God’s magnificent masterpiece: Planet Earth.
As the sun set, the moon lit the sky, introducing a brand new portrait, filled with new actors. From a distance, I could hear crickets playing their version of the Symphony of Life. Owls swooped through the night air as bats fluttered in circular formations, casting an eerie yet beautiful setting. Crackling sounds sent shivers down my spine as creatures concealed by the shadows of the night scampered throughout the field. Where they were going, I did not know. In the midst of my anxiety, I felt the presence of the God of the Universe. My fear was slowly replaced by peace. At that moment, I was one with nature. I was one with God. Laying down, I thought to myself, Who am I You would care about me, my God? What makes me so special? My eyes grew heavy as I drifted to sleep. That is when His still small voice spoke to me.
As the sun set, the moon lit the sky, introducing a brand new portrait, filled with new actors. From a distance, I could hear crickets playing their version of the Symphony of Life. Owls swooped through the night air as bats fluttered in circular formations, casting an eerie yet beautiful setting. Crackling sounds sent shivers down my spine as creatures concealed by the shadows of the night scampered throughout the field. Where they were going, I did not know. In the midst of my anxiety, I felt the presence of the God of the Universe. My fear was slowly replaced by peace. At that moment, I was one with nature. I was one with God. Laying down, I thought to myself, Who am I You would care about me, my God? What makes me so special? My eyes grew heavy as I drifted to sleep. That is when His still small voice spoke to me.
I Did This All for You[i]
My Child, I did this all for you. At the beginning of time, I thought of you when I shined a light upon the Earth. The composition of the Symphony of Life was performed to usher in My most precious creation. Each movement was orchestrated, creating a paradise for all humanity. I gave you the sun and the moon, shining a light both day and night so you will never have to walk through the shadows of life alone. The luster of the stars flashes throughout the galaxies, revealing My supremacy and grace for all to see. My affection for you unfolded when I separated the land from the sea. I filled the continents with life and nourishment. From the ground sprouted seed-bearing plants and trees, filling valleys, terrains, meadows, mountains and rainforests with everything you could possibly need and desire. Yes, I gave you a home filled with beauty and grace. I gave you a home where we could meet face to face. The creatures of land, sea, and air completed the magnificence of this beautiful place. Yes, My Child, I did this all for you.
When Adam and Eve fell from My grace, I announced My redemptive plan for all of humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, I revealed to My Children the elements of My plan. I told them I would provide a messenger to announce their Messiah’s coming. I shared with them the place the Messiah would be born, His Triumphal Entry, how He would be betrayed, His humility before His accusers, and finally the way He would die for their sins. I planted the seed that made the tree My Son hung on to set you free. Yes, My Child, I did this all for you.
Go and shine your light in this darkened world. Show them the way back to My love. Be patient with one another, showing only kindness even when hate is directed toward you. Do not be envious of what others have, nor flaunt what I have given you. See others as more important than you. That is when you will be a shining light upon a hill, revealing My love and grace to all humanity.
I also desire for you to be a good steward of the home I have given you. In your hands, I have entrusted My creation. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, and all living creatures. Yet, humanity has treated My creation with indifference. They have failed to preserve the home I have given them. Through the sin of callousness and greed, humankind has altered the beauty of Eden, defiling the purity of My original design. It is time for My people to stand up and proclaim, “We will no longer stay silent while humanity continues destroying the Earth and its inhabitants for their pleasure and gain. It is time we restore and preserve this beautiful place we call our home."
That morning I woke up with a calm in my spirit and a challenge in my heart.
When Adam and Eve fell from My grace, I announced My redemptive plan for all of humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, I revealed to My Children the elements of My plan. I told them I would provide a messenger to announce their Messiah’s coming. I shared with them the place the Messiah would be born, His Triumphal Entry, how He would be betrayed, His humility before His accusers, and finally the way He would die for their sins. I planted the seed that made the tree My Son hung on to set you free. Yes, My Child, I did this all for you.
Go and shine your light in this darkened world. Show them the way back to My love. Be patient with one another, showing only kindness even when hate is directed toward you. Do not be envious of what others have, nor flaunt what I have given you. See others as more important than you. That is when you will be a shining light upon a hill, revealing My love and grace to all humanity.
I also desire for you to be a good steward of the home I have given you. In your hands, I have entrusted My creation. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, and all living creatures. Yet, humanity has treated My creation with indifference. They have failed to preserve the home I have given them. Through the sin of callousness and greed, humankind has altered the beauty of Eden, defiling the purity of My original design. It is time for My people to stand up and proclaim, “We will no longer stay silent while humanity continues destroying the Earth and its inhabitants for their pleasure and gain. It is time we restore and preserve this beautiful place we call our home."
That morning I woke up with a calm in my spirit and a challenge in my heart.
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