EmmDev 2018-09-29 [Celebrating Creation] Creation's Grand Finale: Praise the Lord

Creation's Grand Finale: Praise the Lord

We've reached the end of our series on Creation.
Right at the end of the Psalms in Ps 148 we find a picture of all creation and all of humankind being called to worship the Creator.

As the worship of the Psalms comes to full crescendo, all parts of creation are called to be part of the glorious song of praise. The psalm breaks into three rough parts:
1. Praise the Lord from the Heavens.
2. Praise the Lord from the Earth.
3. Praise our Exalted God who brings Salvation.

The Heavens are called to bring praise to God. In the list are the Angels, the Sun, Moon and Stars and the waters above the skies. His majesty is reflected and showcased in sunrises, rainbows, countless stars and so much more. And why should these heavenly beings and bodies praise? Because God has created them and "set them in place for ever and ever".

The inhabitants of the Earth are called to praise. The oceans and sea creatures, the clouds and winds, the mountains and trees, the big animals, the little animals and birds and all kinds of people (ranging across status, gender and age) are called to offer praise.

And we praise Him because "His name alone is exalted and his splendour is above the earth and the heavens. Our Hubble telescopes tell us the universe is still expanding from from that incredible moment of creation. Our electron microscopes tell us that there is incredible power in the tiny atom and gigabytes of storage in the human genome. God is awesome and creation showcases His awesomeness.

Finally we praise Him because: "He has raised up for his people a horn". In OT poetry and prophecy the horn represents power, salvation and the Messiah. We saw earlier this week that creation is broken and suffering. Creation groaned as it waited for the Saviour who came and died on the cross to make us and creation whole. Soon He will return to complete that work because we are close to His heart.

And all of creation will rejoice!

Enjoy the Psalm!

1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and maidens, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 14 He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.      (Psalms148:1-14)

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Hope you've enjoyed the series!
For October we'll be joining in our Denomination's Month of Mission. Devotions will be written by ministers from all across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It's going to be good.....
God bless and Love,
Theo

EmmDev 2018-09-27 [Celebrating Creation] God uses Creation to speak to us

God uses Creation to speak to us

God uses creation to speak to us and point us in His direction.

Our reading today is Psalm 42 which was written by one of the "sons of Korah." (During David's time the Sons of Korah were a group of Levites who were leaders in choral and orchestral music in the tabernacle.)

This beautiful psalm is the story of someone who is dealing with a combination of depression, doubt, burnout and disillusionment. Their crisis of faith has been mocked and criticised and they find themselves in a low place.

The Psalm opens with an image from nature: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."
Isn't it just such an evocative image?

In the middle of the Psalm the writer makes a conscious decision to point his soul in the direction of Faith and Trust:
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God.

What grabs is is what he does next:
"My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you..."

The way he remembers is to go on a tour of creation:
He tours the Jordan valley.
He visits Mount Mizar.
He stands before a waterfall and then a wave tossed ocean.
He reflects on the gift of the day and the quiet of the night which helps him hear God's song.

This leads to an unburdening of his soul and a reaffirmation of his decision to keep focus on God.

The beautiful lesson of this Psalm is how the writer finds himself in a tough place emotionally and spiritually and takes himself on a "nature retreat" that helps him find his strength in God.

May we learn to do this too! Take time to read this psalm slowly and thoughtfully and try to imagine the author's journey as vividly as possible and apply this to your own soul...

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.      (Psalms42:1-11)

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EmmDev 2018-09-26 [Celebrating Creation] The point of it all...

The point of it all...

Creation is a controversial subject. People argue creation vs evolution. Literal seven days vs figurative seven days. Real Adam vs mythological Adam and so forth.

In our text for today, Paul is talking to the philosophers of the day in Athens. He's addressing the brightest and the best. Paul does a helpful thing when he discusses creation with these scholars: he doesn't talk about "how" but "why". When one gets down to the "why" of creation, the "how" is less of an issue.

Paul gives two reasons for creation:
Firstly creation is a display of the glory and grandeur of God. God doesn't need a temple made by human hands - all of creation is His temple. Creation is an expression of His glory and majesty.

Secondly creation is a signpost that points humanity toward God. God didn't create us because He was lonely. (God enjoys perfect community in the Trinity!) God creates because giving life, beauty and vastness to creation is an expression of WHO HE IS.

Creation is vast and majestic. The astronomers tell us that the universe is still expanding. As we unpack the wonders of DNA and other microscopic wonders scientists are using the phrase "intelligent design" more and more.

When we stand outside and see creation, the sense of wonder we feel is exactly what Creation was for.

So, in conclusion:

• Creation isn't centred around us - it's about Him.
• Creation makes best sense when its creatures know Him, though He isn't far from us.

So let's get outside more and see!

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.      (Acts17:24-27)

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EmmDev 2018-09-25 [Celebrating Creation] Creation and Suffering

Creation and Suffering

Our passage today is a little technical, but it gives us a good doctrinal overview of creation, the fall, redemption and eschatology!!! ("Escha-what?" - don't worry - all will be revealed.)

Paul is addressing the "elephant in the room". Creation was originally perfect, but not anymore - it's broken - there's suffering, terrible suffering, in our world. Creation wasn't made that way, but it was "subjected to frustration". When God created the universe and placed humanity at the apex of creation, He gave humanity a choice - He gave us free will. By doing this, He created a space wherein we had options and with those options came consequences. The rebellious choice of humanity, embodied in Adam and Eve, led to consequences (which are allowed by the Creator and lead to the frustration of the earth. We call this "the Fall.")

Paul describes the consequences of the Fall as our "bondage to decay." If you read Genesis 3 you'll see how four relationships were broken when Adam and Eve  sinned:

1. Their relationship with God (They hid from him)
2. Their relationship with self (They were ashamed of nakedness)
3. Their relationship with each other (They blamed each other and relations between men and women became abusive)
4. Their relationship with creation (Birth and crop-growing became difficult)

We are still experiencing the pain of these broken relationships.

But the "subjection to frustration" didn't come without a counter-plan. Although we disowned ourselves as God's children, His plan is for us to belong to Him again - His plan is adoption and redemption. Redemption is a technical term used to describe being bought out of slavery. When creation is "subjected to frustration" God plans to adopt us and make us and creation His own again. This is what eschatology is all about - the ultimate plan that God has to restore our broken world.

So today's passage is a beautiful overview to help us understand when we see the incredible beauty and potential of Creation, but are frustrated by the pain we see in the world. The earthquakes, famines and tsunamis of our world are the groans of brokenness, but the time has come (and is still unfolding) that we will be restored and creation will be liberated too! And when that happens it will be
a glorious day!

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.      (Romans8:18-23)

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EmmDev 2018-09-21 [Celebrating Creation] For the birds! (Providence (3))

For the birds! (Providence (3))

When we pay lip service to Providence then everything depends on us and then we should be VERY worried.

But we have a God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies!

I think it is the song of birds that makes them so special!

While birds look for food, feed their young, and build nests there is not the frantic desperation that is the characteristic of many human beings. Amongst birds there are only a few who are lazy (like cuckoos). The rest are industrious and active. Jesus was not advocating sitting back and doing nothing. There is a lot of contentment and meaning to be gained from a good day's work.

Jesus concern is that human beings suffer from the disease of discontentment. We always want more. We barely attain one gadget, vehicle, or house when we fix our eyes on the next desirable. Worry about our stuff consumes us and quality of life disappears. We don't enjoy what we have and what God provides in such abundance. We rush past sunrises and sunsets and zoom past the love of our family and loved ones while we chase things that are not permanent.

Birds have learnt to enjoy the moment and have learned the secret of contentment: Their song is often heard as they bask in the morning sun and they take the most incredible pleasure in the sprinkler on the lawn on a hot summer's day. It is terribly unfortunate when we become so obsessed with collecting, earning, and hoarding that we have forgotten how to play and sing.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky: they do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.      (Matthew6:25-32)

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EmmDev 2018-09-20 [Celebrating Creation] Providence (2)

Providence (2)

Providence means that God provides for and sustains creation. Our reading today is from Psalm 104 which is a beautiful celebration of God's loving and bountiful care for creation.

As you read this magnificent poem take note of the following:

• God is great, majestic and clothed with splendor.
• The beauty of creation are chariots and messengers of His splendor.
• The act of creation (founding the earth, bounding the waters and sourcing the rivers) illustrates His authority
• The animals and birds are nourished by the streams that are sourced from the mountains which are sourced from His "upper chambers".
• The earth is satisfied by the fruit of His Work. This is the initial work of Creation and the ongoing work of Providence.
• The destination of Providence is humankind. Cattle and crops are the work of His providence and we are meant to find sustenance and joy from it (v.15)
• The trees, crags, moon and sun all play their part in an orderly creation where the lions roar and are provided for by God. And the lions go to bed after a night of roaring so that humankind can go about their work.
• The sea is a source of diversity and wonder - including frolic-ing leviathan!
• All creatures look to God for food and sustenance which He provides with an open hand.
• The thought of God's absence is terrifying to creation and creation is waiting to be renewed and sinners will vanish from the earth.
• When volcanoes smoke and the earthquakes shake, the Psalmist recognises the power of the Creator and calls us to worship Him.

Take time to read this beautiful poem and let this picture of God's bountiful providence and care wash over you.

Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. 5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; 8 they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. 9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. 10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. 11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. 13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-- bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. 16 The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17 There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. 18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. 19 The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. 20 You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. 21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. 23 Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. 24 How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-- living things both large and small. 26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. 27 These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works-- 32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. 35 But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.      (Psalms104:1-35)

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EmmDev 2018-09-19 [Celebrating Creation] Providence (1)

Providence (1)

Providence is the theological term for the idea that God not only created the world, but holds it, sustains it, looks after it and keeps it going according to His purpose and plan.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes Jesus as Creator and Sustainer of the world. Listen to the incredible statements he makes:
"For by Him all things were created..."
"...all things were created BY Him and FOR Him..."
"...He is before all things..."
"...in Him all things hold together"

Jesus was present, active and integral when the laws of physics were written, when the double-helix of DNA was conceived, when the fires of the sun were lit, when colour and sound were conceptualised along with eyes and ears to perceive them, and when the galaxy and its countless stars were called out by name (See Isaiah 40:12-26 (espec v.26) below).

Creation is BY Him and FOR Him. He is the source and destination of creation. Creation is a fingerprint of His majesty.

But He also HOLDS all of creation together - He is the Sustainer of all of creation. His attention holds our earth at 23.5 degrees, the moon in its orbit, the protons in the atom, and He supplies the constancies: We call them Planck's constant, Avrogado's constant, Coulomb's constant etc. but these men only discovered these constants - it is Christ who who established them keeps them constant.

Next time you think of Jesus as "gentle Jesus meek and mild" or as the "sweet baby in the manger," or as a "wise teacher" be reminded that He has creation in his CV and current job description and that all of creation will bow before Him!

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.      (Colossians1:16-17)

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ISA 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
    or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
  Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
    or weighed the mountains on the scales
    and the hills in a balance?
  ISA 40:13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
    or instructed him as his counselor?
  ISA 40:14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
  Who was it that taught him knowledge
    or showed him the path of understanding?

  ISA 40:15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
    they are regarded as dust on the scales;
    he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
  ISA 40:16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
    nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
  ISA 40:17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
    they are regarded by him as worthless
    and less than nothing.

  ISA 40:18 To whom, then, will you compare God?
    What image will you compare him to?
  ISA 40:19 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it,
    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
    and fashions silver chains for it.
  ISA 40:20 A man too poor to present such an offering
    selects wood that will not rot.
  He looks for a skilled craftsman
    to set up an idol that will not topple.

  ISA 40:21 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
  Has it not been told you from the beginning?
    Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
  ISA 40:22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
    and its people are like grasshoppers.
  He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
  ISA 40:23 He brings princes to naught
    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
  ISA 40:24 No sooner are they planted,
    no sooner are they sown,
    no sooner do they take root in the ground,
  than he blows on them and they wither,
    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

  ISA 40:25 "To whom will you compare me?
    Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
  ISA 40:26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
  He who brings out the starry host one by one,
    and calls them each by name.
  Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

EmmDev 2018-09-18 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Responsibility (4) Don't miss it

Implications: Responsibility (4) Don't miss it

We've talked about our responsibility to care for creation, to learn from creation and to let creation inspire us to worship the Creator, but there is a somber warning that rounds off our responsibilities to creation.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul argues that Creation is a signpost that more than adequately reveals God's power and divinity and this means that there is no excuse for unbelief because creation makes God plain to those who would open their eyes...

I find it fascinating that more and more biologists and physicists are talking about "intelligent design". They are seeing a complexity and orderliness in creation that makes it clear that our world is not here by random chance. Many are saying that it actually takes more faith to belief that this all came into being by accident than it does to believe that this vast universe has a Creator.

But Paul goes further: Creation reveals a certain orderliness and balance that also serves as a warning to humanity that takes itself too seriously. Creatures are frail and temporary. When we forget that we are part of a bigger system, when we forget that we are creatures, when we take but don't give back and when we upend the natural order of things, then we unleash chaos and heartache.

Paul looked at the greed and immorality that Rome had plunged into and suggests that they had ignored the truths that creation points to.

I think it is very true that when society loses its sense of wonder when observing creation there is likely to be a crumbling of the moral, spiritual and ethical fibre of that society.

We mustn't miss the message of creation!!

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that humankind are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.      (Romans1:18-25)

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EmmDev 2018-09-14 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Responsibility (3) Allow Wonder!

Implications: Responsibility (3) Allow Wonder!

(Here's another take on Psalm 8)
You might find today's devotion about our responsibility to creation a bit strange: I believe that one of the primary purposes of creation is to be a signpost that points to God. As such, it is our responsibility to let creation do what it was created for - we have to follow the sign to the Creator and be caught up in worship and wonder.

I firmly believe that one of the reasons that stress levels are higher in the cities is that we do not have enough contact with the splendour of creation.

David takes time to absorb and be gripped by the awesome beauty of creation. It washes over him and fills him with awe and praise. He examines the heavens, reflects on the diversity of flocks, herds, beasts, fish, and birds, and he realises his smallness in comparison to all that he sees.

He also realises that all of creation brings forth praise and that praise is a powerful weapon. Even the praise of an infant is enough to silence the enemy and the avenger. An attitude of gratitude and a spirit of praise can powerfully transform life. His song-meditation begins and ends with the conclusion that all that he sees brings only one conclusion: God is awesome and majestic.

David also realises his privilege. He is small and yet God has given him such a big role in creation. He is filled with a sense of unworthiness and humility as he realises his dependence on the Creator.

We don't worship creation, but it is a powerful signpost. It orientates us and simplifies us. It humbles us and restores a sense of wonder. Just when I think I have God all sewn up in my neat theological concepts and principles, I get profoundly shaken up by a thunderstorm, a sunset, or a mountain-pass and I realise that He is God and I am not...

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!      (Psalms8:1-9)

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EmmDev 2018-09-13 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Responsibility (2) Observe like Solomon

Implications: Responsibility (2) Observe like Solomon

When we talk about our responsibility towards creation - we find a great example in King Solomon. We all know the story of how Solomon asked God for wisdom instead of wealth and how God blessed him with great wisdom.

I'm fascinated by the idea that Solomon's wisdom was showcased by his interest in creation. We're told that his interests ranged from the great Cedar trees of the region to stubborn hyssop plant that could grow from little shoots in the walls. While Genesis differentiates between animals of the land, air and sea, Solomon recognised another classification - that of reptiles.

Can you imagine if more of our world leaders observed creation avidly and were able to share something of what they had seen and learned with others? I think we'd live in a better and wiser world.

In the Proverbs, which are attributed to Solomon, there are lovely examples of the lessons that can be learned from the ways of the ant, the eagle and other animals.

The teachings of Jesus also reflected the wisdom that is observed and learned in and from creation. He urges us to learn from the birds of the air, the plants of the field, and the way of the seed.

Long before we tackle pollution and global warming, we need to start by observing and contemplating creation as a gift, a wonder and a privilege.The astounding variety, beauty and vitality of creation is there for us to see, appreciate, describe and share.

When we do this, we are on the path of wisdom.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt... 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.      (1Kings4:29-33)

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EmmDev 2018-09-13 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Responsibility (2) Observe like Solomon

Implications: Responsibility (2) Observe like Solomon

When we talk about our responsibility towards creation - we find a great example in King Solomon. We all know the story of how Solomon asked God for wisdom instead of wealth and how God blessed him with great wisdom.

I'm fascinated by the idea that Solomon's wisdom was showcased by his interest in creation. We're told that his interests ranged from the great Cedar trees of the region to stubborn hyssop plant that could grow from little shoots in the walls. While Genesis differentiates between animals of the land, air and sea, Solomon recognised another classification - that of reptiles.

Can you imagine if more of our world leaders observed creation avidly were able to share something of what they had seen and learned with others? I think we'd live in a better and wiser world.

In the Proverbs, which are attributed to Solomon, there are lovely examples of the lessons that can be learned from the ways of the ant, the eagle and other animals.

The teachings of Jesus also reflected the wisdom that is observed and learned in and from creation. He urges us to learn from the birds of the air, the plants of the field, and the way of the seed.

Long before we tackle pollution and global warming, we need to start by observing and contemplating creation as a gift, a wonder and a privilege.

The astounding variety, beauty and vitality of creation is there for us to see, appreciate, describe and share.

When we do this, we are on the path of wisdom.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt... 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.      (1Kings4:29-33)

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EmmDev 2018-09-12 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Responsibility (1)

Implications: Responsibility (1)

The Spiderman movies have popularised a saying that has been true from the very beginning:
"With great power comes great responsibility."

Genesis 1 places humankind at the apex of Creation and places humankind firmly in charge of creation. The verbs are strong: Be fruitful; increase; fill the earth; subdue it and rule over all creatures. What is missing from the English is the nuance of "blossom" in "be fruitful", the sense of quality as well as quantity in "increase" and the sense of "govern" in "rule over". Ironically the word for "subdue" is used positively to talk about "taming" but is also used negatively in the sense of "violate".

These instructions are given to us before Adam and Eve's failure unleashed sin and brokenness in our world. The picture we have of Adam in Genesis 2 is of one who cares for and tends the garden and names its creatures. The act of naming indicates authority, but it also imparts dignity and worth to the one being named.

Well known Old Testament scholar Gordon Wenham summarises Genesis 1 and suggests that our relationship to the rest of creation should be characterised by solidarity, benevolence and control.

This is what we see Adam doing.

Unfortunately, since sin came into our world, our track record with creation has been marked by abuse and violation instead of solidarity, benevolence and control.

Over the next few days we will consider the responsibility entrusted to us as the apex of God's creation.

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."       (Genesis1:28 )

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EmmDev 2018-09-11 [Celebrating Creation] Implications: Community

Implications: Community

For the next little while we will explore some of the implications of creation and some of our responsibilities.

Today we consider the thought that we are created in the image of the Triune God and that the implication is Community.

One of the fundamental theological principles of the faith is our belief in the Trinity - that the Godhead is a perfectly loving community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.   If we are created in God's image, then we reflect God's nature, even though our reflections are tainted by the blight of sin. We reflect His creativity, the ability to appreciate beauty, and especially His capacity to share love with each other.

The bottom-line is this: If God in the Trinity is a perfectly loving community then we who are created in His image are created to move toward loving community. We are not created to be individual lone-ranger Christians but to express our faith in and through community.

Some would argue that our sinfulness as a result of the fall has made community impossible - they would argue that immediately after eating the fruit, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (who didn't have leg to stand on! :-) ) God also warns Adam and Eve that the relationship between men and women will be blighted by the abuse of power: "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Gen3:16)

But this blight is not our created purpose and God calls us to a higher standard. In Gen4:9 we read:
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"
"I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Cain's answer implies that he does not feel the need for community, whereas God's question implies that close and caring community is a given. This implication is echoed throughout Scripture.

Community is a creation-imbedded reality of our existence. The stain of sin results in us rejecting or deforming the idea of loving community, but this does not allow us to avoid the issue.

We are created for God-honouring loving community and we should pursue it.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.      (Genesis1:27)

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EmmDev 2018-09-07 [Celebrating Creation] How small and great we are

How small and great we are

Imagine yourself to be standing and looking at your favourite scenic spot. Mine is at some rocks on a beach where the waves are thundering, crashing, spraying, and making miniature rainbows.

It is easy to be enthralled by the beauty of creation. The soaring mountains, the crashing waves, sunlight on the dewdrops, moonlight on the water, and the innumerable shades and hues of green! How awesome and majestic! All of creation is nothing but a signpost pointing toward our LORD.

When my awareness of God's presence and greatness is dulled, it is always good for me to get out into the beckoning spaces of His creation. The bigger picture leaves one breathless and awe-filled, but it can also leave one feeling small and insignificant.

In Psalm 8 the Psalmist goes through this process. He experiences the enormity of creation and at the same time his own smallness.
He writes:
3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made,
and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,
4 I think:
"Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them?"
"Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them?"

He is then filled with wonder that in spite of the glory of the created world, God is especially interested in us. Both discoveries are important:

1.When we are filled with a sense of our own importance, intimidated by the size of our problems, or over-impressed at our own achievements then the revelation of creation cuts it all down to size.

2.Strangely enough, when confronted with such awesome and great beauty one often feels more alive than ever before. As though our heart beats more loudly in our chests. I believe that this is not us finding God in Creation (as though God could get lost!!!) but God finding us!!! We are very important to Him and He uses His creation to seek us out!

When last have you let Him find you?

(The whole psalm is worth reading)

PS 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!      (Psalms8:1-9)

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EmmDev 2018-09-06 [Celebrating Creation] It was very good!

It was very good!

The word "good" appears seven times in Gen 1:
- v4 God saw that the light was good
- v10 And God saw that it was good (land and sea)
- v12 And God saw that it was good (plants and trees)
- v18 And God saw that it was good (sun, moon and stars)
- v21 And God saw that it was good (fish and birds)
- v25 And God saw that it was good (livestock and ground creatures)
- v31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good (everything)

There is beauty, magnificence and majesty that permeates all of creation. In spite of the blight of sin's brokenness, the goodness of creation still recharges our souls when we walk on the beach, stroll through the forest or hike through the mountains.

Even if we were to argue that it is simply the earth rotating on its axis and the various colours of the visible light spectrum bending to different extents around the curvature of the earth and being filtered by the dust and smog in the atmosphere, sunsets and sunrises still move us in deep and inexplicable ways.

Even though we can explain a rose by photosynthesis and plant genetics, it doesn't change the fact that we are filled with a sense of awe and a sense of well-being when we look at it.

We can explain that a lion is just a big cat and that the elephant is an unusual genetic specimen (it's nearest relative being the dassie) but when the lion roars and the elephant trumpets our senses stand at attention and it is as if we are suddenly more alive.

God is GOOD - in the most ultimate sense. Creation is pregnant with that goodness - as we experience its goodness we get just a fleeting sense of how incredibly good God is!!!

And so we come back to the idea of Leviathan frolic-ing in the vast ocean God created for that purpose. Our awesomely good God has made a beautifully good world for us to glimpse just some of His GOODness - let's learn to open our eyes and to FROLIC.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.      (Genesis1:31)

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EmmDev 2018-09-05 [Celebrating Creation] Frolic

Frolic

Psalm 104 is a beautiful Psalm celebrating the breath-taking bounty of creation. In verse 25-26 it talks about Leviathan:
There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number--
living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

Leviathan is an Old Testament catch-all phrase that seems to encompass all creatures from whales or sea monsters to huge gliding serpents and such-like creatures. (A bit like the loch ness monster)

Leviathan comes from Caananite myths and was one of the terrifying creatures they had to ward off by sacrifices and offerings to placate the gods.

In sharp contrast to Canaanite superstitions Psalm 104 paints a wonderful picture of God creating the universe with Power, Precision and Purpose. (Read the whole Psalm below to see what I mean)

But it's the sense of purpose in the Psalm that I love. Vs 10-11 talk about the streams that pour into the ravines and flow through the mountains to "give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst."

And then our text which speaks of the ocean as a transport medium and playground for Leviathan. Leviathan is not a dark primordial monster to be feared - he is a creature God created to FROLIC.

What a lovely picture of a God who creates with purpose and that part of that purpose is to FROLIC!

Let's FROLIC through today as we consider the awesome space God has given us to play in! Creation is given to be enjoyed!
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Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. 5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; 8 they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. 9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. 10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. 11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. 13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-- bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. 16 The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17 There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. 18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. 19 The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. 20 You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. 21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. 23 Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. 24 How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-- living things both large and small. 26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. 27 These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works-- 32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. 35 But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.      (Psalms104:1-35)

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EmmDev 2018-09-04 [Celebrating Creation] 4. Unique Humanity #3 Responsibility

4. Unique Humanity #3 Responsibility

The X-men movies series suggests that human beings are still evolving and that homo-sapiens will be surpassed by the next generation of superior humans.

Psalm 8 sees it differently: Humankind, created in the image of God, already has all it needs to be the apex of creation. This is not because of our DNA, the size of our brains or the flexibility of our thumbs. (Some folk are suggesting that the next generations will have more nimble thumbs because of all the sms-texting we are doing!!!)

The Psalm is clear: We are the apex of creation because of one key concept: The responsibility of choice.

• We have the option to praise - and when we do, it silences our enemies.
• We are only a little lower than the angels who were also given the gift of choice (and we know that Satan abused that choice and rebelled.) We have the choice of letting God be our God or trying to be our own gods (that's what Adam and Eve's choice was about.)
• We have the responsibility to look after God's creation - to be custodians of it.

Unfortunately we keep getting this wrong:
- We try to be our own gods
- We abuse creation
- We try to get praise for ourselves instead of praising God.

How do we know when we get it right?
The end of the Psalm makes it clear - we have exercised our choices and responsibilities correctly when God gets the praise.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth      (Psalms8:1-9)

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