For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

  - Exodus 20.11

Understand the creation, if you wish to know the Creator…

  - Columbanus, Sermon I, Irish, 7^th century[1]

Learn to know the Maker from those things that are made in Him and by Him.

­  - Eriugena, Homily on John 1.1-14, Irish, 9^th century[2]

We’re exploring the Lord’s command to remember and guard the Sabbath as a covenant sign forever, a reminder of and resource to aid in our journey of sanctification (Ex. 21.12, 13).

We remember the Sabbath when we attend to the details of making good use of it, according to the Lord’s design. We guard the Lord’s Day when we prevent anything from intruding on it to hinder or distract us from God’s purpose.

God provides two guiding rationale for Sabbath-keeping. The first is related to His work as Creator, and to His sovereignty over all things. The Sabbath comes at the end of a week of work, just as the Lord rested on the seventh day following His work of creation (Christians observe the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week, as Sabbath, celebrating in it God’s greatest work, that of redemption in Jesus).

On the Lord’s Day we can invest in our sanctification and find rest for our souls by considering the Lord’s work of creation and providence. All around us, the world proclaims the glory of God (Ps. 19.1-4). We can know the Lord through the works of creation, as Columbanus and Eriugena explained, but we will need to apply ourselves to this effort.

But before we will take the time to study the works of God, we must first learn to delight in them (Ps. 111.2). Delighting in the Lord’s works begins by understanding them, and understanding begins in observing and naming. Put out a bird feeder, and spend part of your Lord’s Day admiring the birds that show up. Study their unique markings and mannerisms. Choose one or two and do a little reading. Why are nuthatches called “upside-down” birds? Where did the chickadee get its name? Why is the junco considered a portent of snow? Why did it please the Lord to make so many diverse and lovely creatures?

Look carefully at the trees in your yard, or contemplate the shape, veins, and texture of a single leaf. Hopkins constructed a philosophy of beauty by studying a single spray of chestnut leaves. Wendell Berry, contemplating a leaf through which the sun was shining, was transported back to the Garden of Eden in reverie and lament. Who knows what God might reveal of Himself to you, if only you’ll take the time to understand the creation?

Cultural artifacts also, as things made with things by those whom God has made, can bring new and profound insights to the greatness of God. Use the Lord’s Day to sing through your favorite hymns, or to practice singing the psalms. Watch a YouTube video of Mendelssohn’s Symphony 5, and glory in that final, soaring movement built around Luther’s “A Might Fortress.” Meditate on some work of Christian art, which you can find easily enough on the Internet. Read some theology or Christian poetry. Jot down some of your own thoughts about what you’re observing, listening to, or reading. Talk with a friend or your spouse about how the Lord is making Himself known to you through the things He has made.

You might even find something on television that can fit in with this theme, something celebrating the beauty of creation, the life of a great Christian, or some aspect of history or culture. Give praise and thanks to God for all the beauty and wonder of creation and the many gifts and talents He has given to human beings.

The Lord’s Day is perfect for getting to know Him better through the things He has made. Remember to do so, and guard against anything that might dissuade you from the effort.

Psalm 95.3-5 (Tidings: “O Zion, Haste, Thy Mission High Fulfilling”)
Great are You, Lord, a King above all nations.
All of earth’s depths lie hidden in Your hand.
Yours are the mountains, Yours the sea, You made it;
You by Your hands created the dry land.
  Come, let us worship, kneel to our Lord;
  Worship our Maker: Father, Holy Spirit, Word.

Lord, create in me a desire to know You through the things You have made. Show me Your glory, Lord, and draw me closer to You!

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T. M. Moore, Principal
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All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.