God not only created “me and all that exists,” God rejoices in and is irrevocably committed to the beloved creation. God delights in you and me. God rejoices in all things great and small. Take time this week to take note of the wonder, order, and beauty of God’s creation.
We join in worship in the beauty of the outdoors this Sunday with one worship service at Brigham Park at 10:00 a.m. followed by a potluck picnic.
There will still be Saturday evening worship in the chapel at 5:00 p.m.
Wisdom at Creation
July 14, 2013
Proverbs 8:22-36
Key Verses: “The Lord created me [Wisdom] at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” Proverbs 8:22-23
Time: 10th – 6th century B.C.
Background: Today’s reading poetically lifts up wisdom’s role in the creation of the world. Here wisdom is personified as a female companion of God’s, sharing in the delight of all that God has made. With a gentle nature she seeks to instruct humanity so that they too, might delight in God’s creation.
Again we learn that wisdom of God, not possession of material goods, leads to true happiness. Wisdom desires happiness for us.
Community: How does this image of Wisdom make the creation story richer? What role does Wisdom have not only in creation, but also in the day to day spinning of today’s world? How might we use our wisdom to make this world better?
At Home: How can you find wisdom in creation? Make time this week to become connected with nature in some way. Take a walk or eat a meal outdoors. Take notice of the miraculous, intricate wisdom found in nature. What do you learn about yourself and about God when you are intentional about this time and attention?
Read This Week:
Monday: Jesus Stills a Storm, Luke 8:22-25
Tuesday: Wisdom and Folly, Proverbs 9:1-18
Wednesday: Fear of the Lord Prolongs Life, Proverbs 10:23-32
Thursday: Godless and Upright, Proverbs 11:1-11
Friday: Discipline of Knowledge, Proverbs 12:1-8
Saturday: Source of Great Wealth, Proverbs 13:1-11
Next Week: Wisdom of Solomon, Proverbs 10:1-12
