It Was Good!
“And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good.” - Genesis 1:11
I think tulips are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. They are simple, elegant, and they look quite delicate.
Beauty; it is one aspect of our existence which cannot be accounted for by evolution. After all, what is the purpose of evolving the ability to discern beauty? Is the ability to admire beauty necessary for the survival of the species?
But we have such a loving God, that He has given us the ability to enjoy His creation, to admire beauty. God created it and saw that it was good. Then He gave man the ability to admire, appreciate and enjoy that beauty. I’m glad He created me. Aren’t you?
Alive!
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
Job 14:7-9
It seems like a mystery. What makes trees bud and grow? After a long cold winter sleep, as spring arrives, little green buds start to form, and leaves begin to grow. It’s almost magical. But it isn’t magic.
All the trees of the field will recognize that I, God, made the great tree small and the small tree great, made the green tree turn dry and the dry tree sprout green branches. I, God, said it—and I did it.’” — Ezekiel 17:23 (The Message)
God did it and He continues to do it. He can do it in you. Do you want to be alive? Get connected with God.
Fruit for Food
And God said, “See, I have given you … every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food” — Genesis 1:29
Mango has got to be the king of all fruits! The sweet, succulent, juicy flesh of the fruit fills your mouth with flavour and makes your taste buds sing the “Hallelujah” chorus. Thank you, Lord, for creating the mango.
Life in Death
While taking a nature walk, our group was instructed not to take any of the dead wood or trees from the surroundings. We are to leave them all untouched. Apparently this is because these seemingly dead tree branches and trunks are teeming with life! Millions of organisms thrive in these dead logs: fungus, insects, plants, small animals, etc. Isn’t it amazing that something that is dead can be a sustainer of so much life?
This reminded me of the following verse:
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. — 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10
Christ died that we may have life! Even better than this dead tree, is that Christ did not remain dead. He lives! He has conquered death, so that those who live in Him will also be victorious over death.
A New Creation
Spring. The season of new life! As winter sheds its blanket of snow, and the sun’s rays gently warm up the ground, the whole world seems to be revived. Spring is nature’s wake up call. Plants wake up from their winter slumber and sprout to reveal lush green leaves; a re-enactment of the third day of creation.
I am reminded of a verse found in 1 Corinthians 5:17:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Are you looking for something new in your life? Are there some old habits, behaviour, attitudes that you would like to bury? Are there some lifestyle issues or relationships that you would like to be made new, infused with new life? Bring them to Jesus. In Him, the old you will pass away, and you will become a new person; one who is reconciled with Christ. God will re-create you, and you will have a fresh, new, vibrant life, just like spring.
God’s Awesome Power
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.
Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds;
He scatters His bright clouds.
And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance,
That they may do whatever He commands them
On the face of the whole earth.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
Psalm 33:7-9, Job 37:11-12
Thirsty Deer
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God” - Psalm 42:1
What do you thirst for? Is it fame? Fortune? Material things? The latest and greatest tech gadgets? Someone’s affection or approval? Many times we thirst and search for things that do not really satisfy. Yes, fame, fortune, gadgets, people’s approval may satisfy for a time, but do they really last?
There is only one thing that will give lasting/eternal satisfaction.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. - Matthew 6:33
”Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” - John 4:13
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” - Matthew 5:6
I thirst for Jesus, His righteousness, and His soon return.
Marriage
…He who created them from the beginning made them mail and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.
Matthew 19:5,6
Marriage is a God established institution from creation. It was made so that man can experience the bond of love that God has for His creation. It is sacred and must be held with high regard. Looking at current societal trends it seems that the sacredness of marriage is no longer upheld. Many marriages are entered into out of convenience, out of selfish desires and ambitions. As soon as it is inconvenient it is dissolved. Many times it no longer functions as a conduit of God’s love to His creation.
It is God’s ideal that marriages be a lifelong bond of love between man and woman. God has given us reminders of this in his creation. Mallard ducks are among the many creatures that God created that keep their partners for life. What God has joined together, man cannot and must not separate.
Evergreen
Evergreens are impressive. They stay green no matter the weather. In the heat of summer, they stay green. In the cold of winter, they stay green. While other trees lose their leaves and seemingly die in the fall, evergreens stay fresh, green and full of life.
We should desire to have a faith like the the evergreen. A faith that never dies. A faith that remains fresh and alive no matter the weather, no matter what circumstances we face in life. When life is good and easy, our faith must remain strong. Our relationship with our Creator must not languish. It is all too easy to get complacent when things are going well. But as the evergreen in spring time uses this time for growth, we also must use the easy times in our life to seek Christ so that our faith may grow. In the summer, when it gets hot and dry, the evergreen still remains fresh. When life gets difficult, when we’re in the heat of the Devil’s attack, be like the evergreen. Cling to the life giving source, which is Jesus Christ to keep our faith alive, fresh, and connected to Him. And when it gets cold, dreary, and lonely, when winter sets in, and all the other trees fade away, the evergreen stays green. When all our friends desert us, when loved ones pass away, when loneliness sets in, when you feel like you are alone in this world, keep the faith. Our faith in Christ must continue like the green leaves of the evergreen through winter. Remain faithful to Him for He is faithful to you. You can be like the evergreen; for it is written:
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
