02/23/2020 - God’s Continuing Creation, and our part in it.
Has God finished His creation and turned it loose to play itself out? Is the big picture painted, and now we simply exist within it trying to perceive what it might look like if we could only step back to see it in total as through God’s eyes? Are we merely ants skittering here and there doing our small part, with our only purpose being to play out a part in some divine production? Well friends, God’s creation remains under constant construction, it is meant to be for and about us, and His love for us demonstrates this.
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Last night I was jarred from a restful sleep to write a poem. The subject hadn’t been on my mind, and I had no idea what I would write about... so I knew this was inspired as I began to write these words; words that would foretell of today’s devotional message...
No Small Pleasure
By Rich Forbes -02/23/2020
Lord, it gives me no small pleasure
To know your creating yet today
That you didn’t just make everything
Say it’s good, and walk away
That when I wake each morning
Asking you what’s in store today
I can thank you for my yesterdays
While You think of what you’ll say
Yes it gives me no small pleasure
To know your inventing yet today
The blessings you might give to me
While my eyes are closed to pray
That each day is new; a mystery,
That you make each one this way
Fresh and clean as all my dreams
Made together while I lay
No, each day is no small pleasure
To know you’re beside me yet today
Deciding how we’ll spend our time
Not allowing me to stray
That no matter what I ask of you
It’s good when you finally say
Your will for me, what awaits for us,
On this joyous God made day
Though it gives me no small pleasure
Knowing you’re thrilled to inspire each day
Including me within your plan
My purpose is your delay
That as I’m straining to hear your Word
Spoken now for this special day
We’ll go about your will together
Grace smoothing my narrow way
____
We are made in God’s image, and one part of that image is that of the creator. Should we have any doubt of this characteristic all we have to do is look about us. We can look at God’s creation, and we can look at those things we have joined with Him in creating. No one denies that the works of Johann Sebastian Bach were inspired, but when we read these words he wrote in the margins of his manuscripts it becomes obvious where that inspiration came from; he wrote “Soli Deo Gloria” or in English... to the glory of God alone.
“For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV
God is still creating today, and if we listen to His voice, and conform ourselves to His will, we will find ourselves to be part of that continuing effort, whether it is physical, or spiritual in its nature. God’s desire is to use us, and to make us a part of His plan as He continues the work of His creation... we are meant to join Him in creating.
“"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord.”
Haggai 1:7-8 ESV
Don’t listen to those who say that God created and then stepped back to watch, or those who say that we are pawns in God’s greater creation, or even those who proclaim that there is no God, and that we live in a universe of random origin. No, God is with us, ever creating, and we are meant to help Him, and be helped by Him...
“The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him.”
Genesis 2:20 ESV
So each day we rise from our slumber to join with God in doing His will. Some days that might involve feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, building a glorious cathedral, writing a song, witnessing boldly to the lost, or any number of constructive and creative activities... But rest assured that God wants a hopeful and creative relationship with us. Are we ready to join Him in this, or will we yield to the emptiness of a life on the margins of a stagnant creation? Do we believe we are abandoned to that place described by those who believe He has finished with us? Let’s pray that isn’t so, and that we join Him in His will, His plans, and divine efforts.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Prayer:
Father thank you for the grand creation that you have placed us in, but thank you more for reaching out to us, and making us your partners in your continuing creative effort. Thank you Holy Father for the relationship you have established with us, and the loving nature of it. Thank you for every song written to praise you, cathedral constructed for your glory and worship, and for all the gifts of the Spirit that you provide us as we do your will each day, and create according to your plan. We are blessed Lord to have been created in your image; the image of our own creator, and He who inspires us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose Holy Spirit reveals to us your will, and gives us an understanding of your plan. Praised be your name for all the inspiration you pour into our lives, and the beauty that rises from it. Great is your love, mercy, and goodness, but most of all magnificent is your grace that has reestablished our lost relationship with you. We build, and create for your glory Father, and seek your presence in all that we do. Help us as we work to do your will, and inspire us in all we create in obedience to you. Hear our prayers, and answer us so that everything we do serves you, and our efforts toward your will, and plan, bring you glory, now, and forevermore.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”
Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV
Rich Forbes