Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-055 Sunday 17 Mar 2002

Reading: PSALM 104 – THE GOD OF CREATION

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

As you read this incomparable psalm, bear in mind the seven days of creation in Genesis 1.

This psalm is a superb meditation on God’s creative work. The writer picks up each day of creation week and rhapsodises over it. Light comes first (v 2a), then the firmament of heaven (vs 2b-4), then the earth and sea (vs 5-9), then plants and trees(vs 14-17), the sun and moon (vs 19-22), blending in with the creation of animals and mankind (vs 20-23), and finally the sea creatures (v 25), including the fearsome leviathan (v 26). All are creatures of God’s care and he creates them by his Spirit (v 30), feeds and satisfies them.

Many themes are woven into the poem, but three stand out. The first is orderliness: everything fits into the divine plan,clear boundaries are set so that nothing encroaches where it should not (v 9), and all nature is pressed into the service of the Creator God (v 3). The second is provision. No needs are left unsatisfied: food and water most obviously, but also wine and oil (v 15), and the appropriate habitat for every species (v 17, 18). Thirdly praise. The universe is seen as the work of the Lord God and the whole psalm becomes a commentary on the phrase ‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good'(Gen 1:31).

It is difficult to read this psalm without being caught up in the wonder of the world around us. If we cannot go for a country walk or watch a TV nature programme without breathing our own praises to this awesome and loving Creator God; then we have begun to savour the spirit of this psalm.

Sing one of your favourite hymns of praise to our awesome God.

– Bishop John B Taylor

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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