He Made the World to Work
Psalm 111 calls us to delight in the works of God. Five times the word, "work" appears in this brief Psalm.
God is a "working" God. He created and sat back and determined His work to be good. It's intrinsic to our natural world that work makes it better and beautiful and functional. God created work, God works, God admonishes work to be honored.
Psalm 111:2 (ESV) Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Humans love to study His work. Science is not incompatible with God or religion. In fact, the Royal Society of London was started by theologians to expand our comprehension of the incredible WORKS of our God! Scientific thought has it's roots in the Christian faith - contrary to what many people will tell you.
I love technology. I love the human mind being used to harness the healing and beneficial properties of creation. I love seeing our studies bring us farther and empowering us to do more than ever before. This is the full enjoyment of God's work!
Today we communicate and travel in ways that would have been thought impossible 100 years ago. Where will we be in 100 years from now?
One of the things scientists will tell you enable their study is constants. The Psalm reminds us of that simple reality.
Psalm 111:7 (ESV) The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
We know the Earth is relatively stable and constant compared to the rest of creation. The axis is just right, the speed around and nearness to the sun is consistent for life and balance. The Earth declares the trustworthy nature of God.
However, the Earth is far from perfect. Floods, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, et al threaten our survival. Disease and death are unavoidable. Another subtle reminder that life is delicate and must follow sound principles for longevity. Perhaps that is the reason for the Psalm's subtle reminder near the end:
Psalm 111:10 (ESV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
It is not enough to study the world. It is necessary to remember and fear the God of the world.
We delight ourselves in the discovery of our world.
We succeed in such discovery with His guidance and grace.
God is a "working" God. He created and sat back and determined His work to be good. It's intrinsic to our natural world that work makes it better and beautiful and functional. God created work, God works, God admonishes work to be honored.
Psalm 111:2 (ESV) Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Humans love to study His work. Science is not incompatible with God or religion. In fact, the Royal Society of London was started by theologians to expand our comprehension of the incredible WORKS of our God! Scientific thought has it's roots in the Christian faith - contrary to what many people will tell you.
I love technology. I love the human mind being used to harness the healing and beneficial properties of creation. I love seeing our studies bring us farther and empowering us to do more than ever before. This is the full enjoyment of God's work!
Today we communicate and travel in ways that would have been thought impossible 100 years ago. Where will we be in 100 years from now?
One of the things scientists will tell you enable their study is constants. The Psalm reminds us of that simple reality.
Psalm 111:7 (ESV) The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
We know the Earth is relatively stable and constant compared to the rest of creation. The axis is just right, the speed around and nearness to the sun is consistent for life and balance. The Earth declares the trustworthy nature of God.
However, the Earth is far from perfect. Floods, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, et al threaten our survival. Disease and death are unavoidable. Another subtle reminder that life is delicate and must follow sound principles for longevity. Perhaps that is the reason for the Psalm's subtle reminder near the end:
Psalm 111:10 (ESV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
It is not enough to study the world. It is necessary to remember and fear the God of the world.
We delight ourselves in the discovery of our world.
We succeed in such discovery with His guidance and grace.
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