Reflections on Creation
Snakes are interesting creatures. They use their tongues to smell, their eyes to “see” heat, their jaws “hear”, and they are speedy. Some of them can fly, some can swim, some move sideways, some rattle, and some squeeze to kill. Their venom can kill yet it is used to cure many diseases. Some can change their skin and others live months without eating. Yet snakes often terrify people. They can slither silently and wait without moving. I don’t run from snakes, but I am very cautious around them since some are lethal.
I love the variety of creatures God made. He created every single one. This week I am reflecting on His name Elohim—Creator. He created the seasons, the weather, the cosmos, the deepest oceans, and the tallest mountains. And He also creates each unique and delicate snowflake. He creates every variety of plants and animals… I think this is a wonderful way to start Lent.
God created man and woman. They lived in harmony until the serpent entered the story.
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.” Genesis 3:1-7
The serpent twisted God’s words. The serpent’s deception led to Eve's sin—and sin is lethal. Yet, the Creator knew what was going to happen and He had the plan to save us all from the sin that entered the world. Our Savior walked the road to Emmaus explaining prophecies to the disciples; I wonder if He included Genesis 3, commonly referred to as the curse. As I reflect on God our Creator, I will also reflect on His love for us.
His love for us is the focus of Lent. Easter is all about His love. His love for us was proven when His Son died on the cross for us. His love for us is eternal, unconditional, and overflowing. He is creative and loving all at the same time.
As you spend time reflecting this week what will you ponder?
Photo by PhotographyCourse on Unsplash
