Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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God's sublime creation

Bible Reading:: St. Matthew: 6:26-40

Key Verse: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
                                                                   Matt: 6:26-29
DEVOTION

One of the most profound statements in the Bible appears in its very first verse, where God declares that He alone is the Creator of both "the heavens and the earth." Through His creative power, God brought forth life in countless varieties and forms. The Sermon on the Mount and its teachings reflect the idea of changing our outlook toward creation and learning valuable lessons from it.
Immortal Lessons from Creation:
Jesus highlights how God provides for the birds and flowers without them "laboring" or "toiling" for their needs. This reinforces the idea that God is intimately involved in caring for the natural world. The birds and flowers are not merely resources or objects for human use; they are also part of God’s creation, lovingly sustained by Him.
Moreover, Jesus addresses human anxiety about material concerns—food, clothing, and life itself. He contrasts this anxiety with the natural world’s peaceful existence. The birds do not worry about storing up food, and the flowers do not worry about their appearance. Worrying about material gain leads to unsustainable practices, while trust in God’s provision invites a more responsible and faithful approach to living.
Interconnectedness of Creation
By pointing to the birds and flowers, Jesus reveals the interconnectedness of all living things. Humans are not separate from the natural world but are part of it. The same Creator who provides for the birds also cares for humans. This understanding calls us to recognize our role as stewards of creation and to live in a way that reflects our dependence on God's care for the entire ecosystem.
The Intrinsic Value of Creation:
Jesus states that the flowers, despite their simple existence, are clothed more magnificently than Solomon, the wealthy and powerful king of Israel. This statement elevates the beauty of nature, suggesting that creation, in its simplicity and purity, reveals the glory of God. It challenges human attitudes that place greater value on wealth and power than on the inherent beauty of the earth. This perspective encourages a deep respect for the beauty and intrinsic value of all living things.

   PRAYER

Lord helps us to see your glory through creation and enable us to value inherent beauty and worth of all creatures.
And help us to understand and execute the stewardship 
in a blessed manner.

Thought for the day

"The 'other way' of living involves replacing old habits of 'reaction' with new habits of perspective."
                           Richard Carlson


Rev. Josy Joseph 
Long Island MTC, New York

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