God's Creative Genius

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. (Proverbs 3:19-20 ESV).

 

I am always a bit amused by the naiveté of those who deny the creative work of God. The more I learn about the creative genius displayed in our world, the more I am convinced of the unfathomable depth of God’s wisdom, power, and plan. Take dogs as an example. The picture accompanying this devotional is Teddy. He is our rescue puppy (even though he is nearly eight now). The vet tells us he is primarily a Norfolk Terrier, though we have no need of doing DNA testing to prove or disprove that assertion. We have seen firsthand his tenacity and latent predatory instinct. He has killed more than his share of moles, rats, and bunnies that make the mistake of wandering into his domain. But I have diverged a bit. The real key is in how God created him, and every other canine.

 

Dogs are audacious optimists. They do every little thing with enthusiasm and verve, even if that means they’re not as tidy as some other animals. Drinking water is no exception, and anyone who has ever seen a dog lap from its water bowl on a hot summer day knows they are willing to loudly splash their way to hydration. However, there is a special reason for this messy hydration. In 2014, a team of researchers led by Virginia Tech’s Sunny Jung used high-speed cameras to film dogs as they drank water from a bowl. They examined the slow-motion footage and were able to study the mechanics behind a thirsty dog’s tongue. His conclusion was “dogs curve their tongues backwards in a ladle-shape so that when they rip their tongues out of the water, they cause a significant amount of acceleration — about five times that of gravity.” He went on to explain that since dogs don’t have cheeks, they can’t create suction. To compensate, their tongues slap the water and pull it toward their maw in the form of a liquid column. As this water is suspended in mid-air, they chomp down on it and swallow, repeating the process until they’re satisfied. We might be tempted to think “so what?” Well, as it turns out, God has designed them without cheeks to increase their ability to bite down and secure their prey.

 

Amazing, isn’t it? God designed them to perfectly fit within the world they were placed. God saw the need for this and carried the “engineering” throughout every characteristic of our beloved companions. God is like that. He has done the same for us. The more we learn to trust that purpose, the more we can be at peace with ourselves. That’s God’s creative genius!

  

A Leader's Wisdom

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon gin a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:5-9 ESV).

 

Aristotle is quoted as saying, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” However, better advice came from King Solomon, who wrote centuries earlier: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). In our text today, we see that Solomon knew he deeply needed wisdom from God because he knew himself and he feared the Lord. I am often amazed by so many who have been given the privilege of leadership and though they know themselves and their personal goals well, simply don’t appear to know the Lord well at all. They haven’t given any indication they are wise.

 

Go back to our reading today. Solomon was now king of Israel but had not yet finished building the Temple. Solomon, like other Israelites at the time, went to the most important high place in Gibeon to make sacrifices to the Lord (v.4). While there, the Lord came to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”(v. 5). I can’t imagine being given that ability. I can’t imagine what I would ask for. Perhaps I might be unselfish and ask for health, happiness, or success for my children and their families. And, while that sounds admirable, it would be far too short of what God would want for me to ask.

 

Solomon began his response by praising God: “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David.” Then he acknowledged the continued kindness God had shown to him (v. 6). Solomon acknowledged the Davidic covenant was continuing to be fulfilled through him. But he also recognized his youthfulness and inexperience (v. 7). He was barely out of his teens when he took the throne so it is no surprise that he felt overwhelmed with the responsibilities of governing the nation. Solomon continued and did not ask for wealth or a happy life, but rather said, “Give your servant a discerning heart” (v. 9).

 

The word discerning can also be translated “hearing” or “obedient.” Solomon was asking for the capacity to obey God’s law and distinguish between right and wrong (v. 9). He recognized that the best thing for him to do was to stay in step with the law of God. In return, God richly blessed him for humbling himself and seeking wisdom. That’s a leader’s wisdom. Are you such a leader? You can be… ask God and he will give it to you (cf. James 1:5-7). 

Take a Step

 

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore. (Genesis 8:6-12 ESV).

 

God spoke to Noah before the flood and gave instructions on building the ark (cf. Genesis 6:13; 7:1). God also spoke to Noah after the flood water had receded enough (cf. Genesis 8:16). There seems to be a period of time, however, when Noah was on the ark and the rains had stopped, that God wasn’t giving him instruction. Noah did not have the full picture of his “next steps.” What he did have was the ability to send out the birds. First, he sent the raven, then a dove. In essence, Noah was simply doing what he did know to do. There can be situations that cause us to try and figure out what God is doing in our life, or what His purpose is. During these times we can sit back and pray, looking for a grand vision, or even wait for an audible voice from God. However, more often than not, we simply must take the next step that we know to take.

 

The application in all of our lives, young and old, is very clear. Maybe you are in need of a job, and could start applying instead of sitting back and waiting for one to fall in your lap. You may even start planning a major life change and see if there are any roadblocks on the way, or if doors are opening for you. Perhaps there are people you know that have been trusted advisors for you in the past. Talk with them. Gain information and possible plans of action will begin to form. This is the essence of wisdom.

 

Fear is our greatest enemy. We can be so anxious of making the wrong choice that we forget that God is with us as we make these decisions (cf. Deuteronomy 31:6). It is wise to seek counsel, but may we also be confident that when we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit will be with us in our decision making. Should you be taking a step?

 

A Benediction

 

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV).

 

Our reading today comes from the end of the book of Hebrews. It was common in the first Christian century to conclude any formal letter with a benediction. Having instructed, chastised, and exhorted his readers, the author of Hebrews now declares a blessing upon them. This written blessing helps to illumine the background of the writer. Benedictions were common in Judaism, and the fact that the author includes one here adds evidence to the notion that he was of Jewish heritage and was well-versed in the Hebrew Scriptures.

 

This benediction accomplishes more than just pronouncing a blessing. In emphasizing Christ as Shepherd, the author suggests that his warnings were not meant to imply that salvation can be lost. Rather, he is convinced, just like the other biblical writers, that God’s people will persevere to the end. For as shepherd he feeds, that is rules and instructs us. As the shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep (cf. John 10:11), this refers to his priestly office and the atonement he made for his church by his blood. All the elect are committed to him by God, like a sheep to a shepherd to be redeemed, preserved, saved, through virtue of his office. This relationship between Christ and the church is often mentioned in the Scripture with the security and consolation that depend on it. We are taught here that he died as part of his work, as the great Shepherd of the sheep, which shows the supremacy of his love and the certainty of salvation of the elect. God has chosen for Himself one flock and has appointed the Shepherd to guard over it. The power and worthiness of Jesus guarantees that not one of His sheep shall ever be snatched from His hand.

 

I have often heard the belief espoused that an individual can “fall from grace.” That is, that somehow our salvation was dependent on how able we are in our obedience. I find no hope in that belief; and, I find it nowhere in the Scripture. The opposite is true. Since God has saved us, He will keep us. This is accomplished by the word of our Great Shepherd, Jesus. Spend some time in prayer today meditating on the grace and power of your Shepherd, thanking Him for protecting you from evil.

 

 

Faded Flowers

 

A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8 ESV).

 

Since we have had much less rainfall in our area of Texas than usual the bluebonnets were not as plentiful this year. However, other wildflowers along our roadsides have flourished. As you can see from this photo included today, driving through the countryside can be a magnificent display of God’s handiwork. As I began to reflect on these beautiful displays I was taken to the thought that they last such a short time. They sprout each year, flower, produce their seed, and then fade away only to be mowed and turned to fodder. That thought then began the process for the writing of today’s devotional.

 

Flowers are always a source of joy. In fact, as Mother’s Day has just ended, we know from previous years that one-fourth of the flower and plant purchases made for all the holidays occur at Mother’s Day, according to the Society of American Florists. Consumer purchase data shows that in 2021 more than 25 percent of adults bought flowers for Mother’s Day gifts. Our church participated in the frenzy in purchasing a long stem fresh flower for each mom in attendance. Mary came home with a beautiful yellow daisy. It was a thoughtful and beautiful way to honor all the mothers. However, even with the best of care, it will not last long until it too fades.

 

It is that truth that the prophet calls to mind in our reading today. He compares all humans with the flowers. Even with the best of care, we are all in the process of fading with age. Believe me when I say I am painfully aware of the process. And, there are those times when I am regularly reminded of that truth. As I have said before, ”Getting older is not for the faint of heart.”

 

Knowing all of this it could be a great discouragement for us. The prophet reminds us that the best of God’s creation fades, however, “the Word of the Lord will stand forever” (v. 8). Whether we take that to mean the “words of God” (Scripture) or the “Word of God” (Jesus), the encouragement we can take from this is the eternal nature of our God and that which He has given us spiritually. We are eternally bound and eternally gifted. Nothing can separate us from Him and His promise of life forever (cf. Romans 8:31-37). Think on that as you watch the flowers bloom this year!

 

Mothers of the Bible - Pt. 3

 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:28-30 ESV).

 

I hope each of the moms reading today’s devotional will be blessed with the joy of family and the peace of God’s enormous grace. I’ve chosen to use the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as our last example for this Mother’s Day. She certainly is the most famous woman of the Bible. However, with all of the fame and countless stories written and told in her name, I wonder if we really understand who she was. I often wonder just how Mary felt when the angel Gabriel appeared before her to tell her that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. The Bible tells us that she was afraid and asked how it could be because she was a virgin, a legitimate question. Even through her fear and wondering, she accepted the overwhelming task to carry the Savior of the world, risking whispers behind her back, criticism, and judgment. Mary was real about her emotions, but she pushed through how she was feeling because she had an awareness about laying down her life. She knew the risk and the uncomfortable stares were worth being obedient to God.

 

I’m sure she struggled with perfectionism in the face of this perfect child. I’m sure she struggled with His mission and understanding of who He was. I’m sure she struggled with the dangerous life He had chosen. Yet, even though she did not understand all of what God was doing through Jesus, she was faithful and loving.

 

There is an incredible message her for all parents.  As we struggle to be the perfect parent, especially with so many “perfect snapshots” on social media. We ought to remember that today is a day that ought to celebrate who we are, not merely what we have done. If Mary proves anything to us, it is that God is interested in position not performance. Our position is never in question with God. We are His beloved children.

 

So, if you find yourself struggling to be the “perfect” Mom (or Dad), remember you’re your children need you to be present emotionally as much as physically. They are looking for a parent who will love them right where they’re at. They are watching and observing the way we handle the difficult situations of life and learning invaluable lessons. Being real and not trying to create a perfect facade is what brings us closer to them. As our reading reminds us, this is why our “children will rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Mothers of the Bible - Pt. 2

 

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.” (2 Samuel 11:1-5 ESV).

 

I know it seems a little strange that I would choose Bathsheba to continue this short series on “Moms of the Bible.” Yet, as we understand more of her life I believe we see an incredible example of courage and faith. I find it very difficult to imagine what Bathsheba was feeling when she was summoned to be with the king. David’s indiscretions with her led to much heartbreak as she found herself pregnant, then widowed, then married to the man that caused all of this. Remember, after all the trauma of the first encounter with David, the resulting child died. Her grief was just as deep as David’s, though her guilt was not the same. Her faith remained resolute and her love for David grew. She kept strong for her second son, Solomon. Instead of letting her heartache lead to despair or walking life as a victim, she decided to live life fully with a heart of love. She is one of only five women mentioned in the genealogy of Matthew. Her impact in history is unquestioned. Yet it was forged in immense difficulty.

 

Aside from the history-changing actions of Bathsheba, her wisdom lives on through the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and in many of the Proverbs. Most notably is the famous Proverbs 31 passage that has both inspired and frustrated women worldwide. King Lemuel, generally accepted as a pseudonym of King Solomon, introduces Proverbs 31 as an oracle his mother taught him. Proverbs 31 likely contains the very words of Bathsheba. It is especially poignant that Bathsheba would make it a point to teach her son to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). No one had spoken up for her or defended her rights when she was stripped of her life as Uriah’s wife and placed in the king’s harem. Bathsheba’s life did not take the course that she anticipated, but her story reveals the character of one who discovers the purpose God has for her despite extraordinary suffering and difficulty. She certainly is an example for all of us.