Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God of nature. I’m not referring to a pagan deity or to Mother Earth, but to the One who is the God of all nature. God made it all, and God uses it all for His purposes. In every sense – from origin to preservation to value, He is nature’s God.
God has made nature a valuable resource for mankind. It provides food, the basis for medicines, materials for shelter, and components for clothing. Beyond these practical provisions, nature also provides for the spirit of man through its beauty, tranquility, complexity, and diversity.
I am glad for this latter provision, because I have very much appreciated the benefits of nature to my spirit. I like to get out and walk or sit, absorbing the sunshine and discovering beauty. I especially enjoy learning and looking for different types of birds – (sixty different species this morning). Whenever I am out, my spirit is refreshed. Paul exhorted believers to trust “in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Jesus Himself would go to a quiet place to commune with His Father, and He acknowledged the therapeutic benefit of retreating into the quiet of nature. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31).
Beyond the benefits already listed, God also has designed nature to teach us. Nature helps us to understand some of His characteristics – His love of order and beauty and His creativity. Some truths about God are so evident that they are universally known. It is almost as if the animals and birds and fish have absorbed this knowledge and can teach it to people. “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee” (Job 12:7-8).
It seems evident that there is not an actual conversation between animals and people (except that donkey and Balaam!). I believe the teaching referenced in the above verse has to do with observation. Job was saying in essence, “Just look at the natural world around you, and you will learn the evident truths about God. His truth is everywhere displayed!”
There is general instruction, and sometimes there is very specific instruction. Jesus taught more than once by referencing the birds. “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
Many years ago I thought I would do a Bible study on the birds of the Bible, trying to learn some of God’s lessons. I got sidetracked, and that study got put on a shelf without making much progress. Recently, I have pulled it out again. The project is pretty immense, and the progress is kind of slow, but I am looking forward to “asking the fowls of the air” and letting them speak God’s lessons to me. One of those precious lessons is in the previous paragraph – that God cares for us more than He does for the creatures, and He will surely take care of us, since He takes care of the tiny birds. May you know His care today. And maybe find a few minutes this week to enjoy His creation.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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