05042025 May the Fourth

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God of blessings and promises. Those of you familiar with American popular culture are probably aware that May Fourth, through a play on words, is referred to as Star Wars Day. I thought I would take that play on words in a different direction and share something about the Bible’s “may” the fourth.

"May” is a common helping verb, used in many contexts and with many possible subjects, but “may” is often used in the Bible to share God’s actions and intentions.

“May” the first is found in Genesis 1:20, and it speaks of God’s creative power and variety, specifically regarding the birds and fish. “Fowl that may fly above the earth.” Fish are okay. I eat them occasionally. Some people get “caught up” in trying to catch them. I’m not one of those people. I do enjoy birds, however. Off and on over the years, I have pursued birding – getting out into nature and enjoying the beauty and variety in God’s creation. There is the thrill of discovery and the fascination with what God has created in the avian world. (I’m up to 112 species so far for 2025.)

“May” the second is found in Genesis 3:2. While it is found in the context of Eve’s descent into the first sin, her statement tells of God’s bounty and blessing. “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden.” God provided in a beautiful way for Adam and Eve, and He continues to do the same for us. Again, His variety is amazing. God could have made nothing but asparagus and limes, but He didn’t. He gave us steak, chicken, bacon, and haddock; wheat, corn, rye, and rice; strawberries, kiwi, bananas, and watermelon; carrots, green beans, peas, and broccoli. And so much more!

“May” the third is found in Genesis 8:17. It is God’s wonderful renewal of life given to Noah. After His judgment through the flood, God was starting over in a sense. “That they may breed abundantly in the earth.” The flood had destroyed nearly everything, but God’s plan and blessing on the earth were not finished. The plants would grow again. The animals would reproduce. The earth would return to a state of vibrancy, fullness, and provision.

“May” the fourth is found in Genesis 9:16. It is also following the flood, and it is one of the Bible’s greatest promises about the forgiveness and faithfulness of God. “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.” The rainbow is a reminder to us as humans, but God says it is also a reminder to Him, (not that He needs one). It is a symbol of an everlasting covenant through which God continually has mercy even on a world as vile and sinful as ours has become.

This “may” the fourth is perhaps the Old Testament counterpart to II Peter 3:6-9. Peter speaks of the ancient world perishing when water overflowed it. He speaks of the coming judgment, although so far God has protected the heavens and the earth. Peter speaks of the perdition of ungodly men, which we know is elsewhere compared to the days of Noah. And then this great truth about the loving patience of God: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

In honor of May the Fourth, may God refresh your soul with the beauty of His creation. May He shower you with His blessings and provision. May He show you signs of renewal and new life in those of your ministry. May He strengthen you for your role in the task of rescuing men and women from judgment, bringing many into His family.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA