One day some hunters were hunting a wild boar, and when the hunters had put up the wild boar, they loosed their dogs in pursuit of it. And as soon as the boar perceived the dogs near him, he set off down the slope of the glen to (seek) the protection of Coemgen, with the dogs in pursuit.
– The Monk Solomon, Life of Coemgen (III)
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
– Romans 8.20-22
Keeper of creation
Celtic Christians had a deep appreciation for the creation around them. When men like Coemgen set off on their own to follow the Lord, they had to live off the land. The learned to appreciate not only the bounty of the creation but also its beauty, intricacy, mystery and interconnectedness. These observations of creation show up later in the Celtic Revival as decorations on illustrated manuscripts and carved crosses. Celtic Christians knew the Presence of God in creation, and they regarded their surroundings with reverence, gratitude, and diligent stewardship for that reason.
So pronounced was the relationship between certain saints—like Coemgen—and the world around him that hagiographers could not resist inserting vignettes designed to show that creation understood its keepers and regarded them as such. In Coemgen’s case, an otter recovers his psalter from the bottom of a lake. A blackbird makes a nest in his hand. A doe provides milk for a fostered child. And a wild boar knows that he will be safe if only he can get to the monastery at Glendalough.
In the case at hand here, Coemgen stopped the rushing dogs until their owners could arrive to retrieve them. The owners, seeing the boar safely beside Coemgen, sensed they had done wrong—perhaps they were convicted that their approach to the hunt was not fair. They repented, sought forgiveness, and promised never to hunt the boar again. Whereupon their dogs were released to them, and the boar returned safely to the woods.
And us?
When Adam and Eve fell into sin, the creation was stricken because of them (Gen. 3.17-19). Paul wrote that the creation—which God intended should be only “very good” (Gen. 1.31)—was continuing to groan and labor in his day. He likened the creation to a pregnant woman whose child was ready to be born, but no amount of straining and pushing would bring it forth. And so the woman continues to suffer and groan and long for new life.
We have both a duty and an opportunity here. All of us interact with and depend on the creation, especially that which is immediately within our reach. How much of reverence, gratitude, and stewardship do we exercise toward the creation? The trees and creatures and plants and ground with which we are interconnected each day? Do we even think about the creation as revelation from God as well as tokens of His bounteous provision? If some hagiographer were to write a vignette describing our relationship to God’s world, what would he say?
Paul indicates that we who believe in Jesus have, in some ways, power to bring the creation in to the “glorious liberty” we have in Jesus Christ. But liberty from what? Neglect. Misuse. An unappreciative spirit. Mere familiarity (and the contempt that can create). Indifference to its constant call to worship.
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How can we begin to be more conscientious and consistent in keeping the creation around us as God intends? Begin where Adam did: naming the creatures. Learn the names of plants and birds. The constellations of the night sky. The various kinds of clouds. By naming the creatures you will be more likely to befriend them and to respond with wonder and even worship.
Next, care for the creation by whatever means are available to you. Make sure you help your house plants flourish, for this will help to nurture an attitude of care toward all creation. Keep a garden. Maintain your lawn and flower beds. Put up bird feeders. Let the creation “know” that you care for it, and it will come to you for care (think: hummingbird feeders).
Then, talk with others about the beauty, wonder, bounty, diversity, mystery, majesty, and revelation of God you see in creation. Join in local conservation or restoration efforts. Read books about local flora and fauna. Become lovers of creation in ways unique to your own environment.
Celtic Christians saw the hand of God in all aspects of creation, and they have left us a legacy of duty and opportunity to celebrate and use the creation in ways that enable us better to know and enjoy God.
For Reflection
1. What aspects of “creation keeping” are you currently pursuing?
2. What could you do to become more a friend of your local creation?
Psalm 111.1-4
(Manoah: When All Your Mercies, O My God)
Praise the LORD! O let my heart give thanks here amid His chosen race!
Your works are great, O LORD, and sought by all who know Your grace.
For Your work is full of splendor, LORD, and of majesty most pure;
Your righteousness, O glorious God, forever will endure!
You have caused Your many wondrous works to remain before our face.
For You are full of mercy, LORD, and abounding all in grace.
T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
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Other columns of interest: This week: In our ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” we consider what it takes to grow it. Our Read Moore podcast begins a new series, reading through our book, If Men Will Pray. The focus of our Scriptorium daily study is on “Matthew: The Coming of the Kingdom.” Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
