The Beauty of Creation

Deutsch English

Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever – he issued a decree that will never pass away. Psalm 148:3-6 (NIV)    

Context: First, the biblical testimony of creation

Let us believe the biblical testimony of creation. It shows us that, in his wisdom, God intended and created the world as it came into being, by the power of his word alone: *Biblical Dictionary*

When I look at God’s creation, I find the beauty of nature deeply joyful and uplifting: the meadows and fields of rapeseed in spring, the waving fields of grain in summer, and the colorful forests in autumn. Wherever the Bible speaks of God’s creation — of the sparrow on the roof, the lilies of the field, the Good Shepherd and his sheep — there is a wondrous radiance filled with beauty and harmony.

1. The Beauty of Nature

Ever since I chose this topic, I have been reflecting on our wonderful Creator, who has also provided eternal salvation for all people.

One evening, I went for a walk through the vineyards at just the right time, and I became newly aware of the wonders of God’s creation. Everywhere I looked, I could see the beauty of nature. In the evening twilight, the first thing that caught my attention was the landscape of rolling hills rising against the horizon.

Then, after sunset, I looked toward the west and saw the glowing sky, filled with shades of red and gold.

Now I could hear a few little birds singing. I breathed in the fresh air, filled with oxygen. Then I turned toward the east, where the sky on the opposite horizon was brightly illuminated. It was the moon, lighting up the night sky.

What splendor! How beautifully God has made everything!

But that was not all. What could be heard in the distance? A lot of crickets had begun their evening concert.

Only then did I truly begin to understand what it means to praise our Creator and to affirm and rejoice in his work!

2. Heaven and Earth, Praise the Lord

The Hebrew word bara refers to the powerful creative work of God, which is not limited to a single act of creation. No, God is continually creating something new. The English word wonderful contains the word wonder and so everything that has been created — everything visible and invisible — is a wonder of God’s creation!

Nature is a precious treasure given to us, and we can see that it comes from God. We begin to recognize how God comes to meet us in every breath of wind, every sunrise and sunset, every cloud, every blossoming flower, and every leaf that changes color — if only we begin to awaken our dulled senses and truly take notice.

(From a devotional thought by Oswald Chambers)

To Praise:

• Jada (Hebrew) means: to confess, affirm, acknowledge, or give thanks.
• Doxazein (Greek) means: to praise, glorify, honor, and exalt.

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians about eternal glory:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

3. Song: “Worthy Is the Lamb” (Feiert Jesus, Vol. 3, No. 214)

Worthy is the Lamb, the Ruler on the throne.
Many crowns adorn you, the victorious King who reigns.
You are highly exalted, Jesus, Son of God.
The Glorious One died for us on the cross.
Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb.

Those who are able to praise God with all their heart will discover one miracle of his grace after another. (Bodelschwingh)

Author: Egon Waechter
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