“GOD’S AMAZING CREATION”
OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Job 38 (Focus vs.1 & 4–18)
MEMORY VERSE
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” Job 38:4
BACKGROUND
What began as a simple spring nature walk turned into something special as my wife and I trekked along our hometown’s Grand River. We noticed some familiar “friends” on a log in the rippling water—five or six large turtles basking in the sun.
Sue and I smiled at the amazing sight of these reptiles, which we hadn’t seen for many months. We were delighted that they were back, and we celebrated a moment of joy in God’s magnificent creation.
God took Job on quite a nature walk (see Job 38). The troubled man needed an answer from his Creator about his situation (v. 1). And what he saw on his journey with God through His creation provided the encouragement he needed.
Imagine Job’s amazement as God reminded him of His grand design of the world. Job got a firsthand explanation of the natural world: “Who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (vv. 6–7).
He got a geography lesson regarding God’s imposed limitations of the seas (v. 11).
The Creator continued to inform Job about the light He created, snow He produces, and rain He provides to make things grow (vv. 19–28). Job even heard about the constellations from the One who flung them into space (vv. 31–32).
Finally, Job responded, “I know that you can do all things” (42:2). As we experience the natural world, may we stand in awe of our wise and wonderful Creator.
By: Dave Branon
INSIGHT
An important answer to Job’s crisis of faith hinges on the words, “Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm” (Job 38:1). Instead of answering in a gentle whisper (see 1 Kings 19:12), God showed up from within blinding flashes of lightning and the roaring voice of dark clouds (Job 37:1–5, 14–16).
God also didn’t tell him about the accuser, Satan, that our preamble to Job explains for us (chs. 1–2). Instead, from within the power and violence of a thunderstorm, the God of creation used the beauty and wonder of the world He’d made to help the servant He loved trust Him.
By: Mart DeHaan
APPLICATION
How can nature bring you closer to God? How does it remind you of His great creative power and love?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?” Job 38:33. – It’s only a matter of time the proponents of the Big Bang Theory will realize our God has always been the Big Bang – pr
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“As we experience the natural world, may we stand in awe of our wise and wonderful Creator.”
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for creating such a magnificent, diverse, fascinating world. Help me to appreciate Your workmanship and realize that You’re in control.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“JOYFUL, JOYFUL WE ADORE THEE”
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
All Thy works with joy surround Thee
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee
Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest, vale and mountain
Flowery meadow, flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee
Mortals join the happy chorus
Which the morning stars began
Father, love is reigning o’еr us
Brother, love binds man to man
Ever singing, march wе onward
Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF II KINGS CHAPTERS 8-14
THE BOOK OF I CORINTHIANS CHAPTERS 1-8