A Framework for Faith/Spiritual Vision

...everything that exists is understood to be created or uncreated, ruling or subject, eternal or limited to a particular time. Therefore what is created, subject, or restricted to time is itself a created thing, but what is uncreated, powerful, and eternal is God Himself.

  - Anonymous, Liber de Ordine Creaturarum (Irish, 7th cent.)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  - John 1.1-3

Spring is here, and all the signs of new life are straining to burst into view. Our feeder is crowded with finches, sparrows, cardinals, nuthatches, juncos, titmice, chickadees, and vireos. The buds are flush and the first new leaves are appearing on the willows. Even the grass has put me on notice that it will be ready for a trim in a week or so.

It's good to ponder the mysteries of spring, and even better to soak up as much of the beauty of it as you can. Spring testifies to the promise of new life, the hope of eternal beauty and goodness, and the wisdom and might of Him Who made and sustains it all. Are we just too busy with mundane things to slow down and drink in the wonder of this new season?

We remember that the Word of God made everything that is, He Himself being eternal and uncreated. And He keeps it all in place and guards its familiar patterns and seasons. He is the explanation for all the regularity and reliability we find in the creation, for in Him it all holds together. All creation points to its Maker and Master, who commands all created things to serve His purposes and bring Him glory (Ps. 119.89-91; Ps. 19.1-4).

What shall we make of the creation? Some, by reason of familiarity and self-interest, will simply take it for granted. Others, caught up in the emotion of the season, may rejoice in spring's arrival and bitter winter's retreat, but won't go much beyond that. The psalmist says that if we can learn to delight in the works of God we will take more of an interest in them, and even study them (Ps. 111.3). Will you be among the ranks of those who seek the glory of God in the things He has made?

The creation is not "nature" - as in "Mother Nature." That is, the world around us - the hills, valleys, rivers, trees and plants, birds and other creatures, stars in the night sky - they do not simply "happen" to be. They do not exist on their own power. They are here because the Word of God has made them and sustains them day by day. They are the works of His hands. As we can learn to know an artist by studying his works, so we can learn to know our God - and thus grow in eternal life (Jn. 17.3) - by studying the works He has made and daily upholds.

Let this spring herald a new beginning in your relationship to God and His creation. What will you note today of the Lord's craftsmanship and glory in the simple and profound creatures and things that this new spring presents?

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

Bookstore - The study of creation and its works is called "creational theology." To learn more about this, get the book, Consider the Lilies, from our online store.

ReVision - What's with this human lust for perfection?

In the Gates - We use the Law of God rightly when we consider how it helps us to understand the fullness of the Gospel.

Thank you for sharing with us in this ministry. You can send a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the donate button here or at the website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 100 Lamplighter Ct., Hamilton, VA, 20158.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.