God Spoke Once

It had been a routine day with all its comforts and discomforts, responsibilities and freedoms, busyness and moments of refreshment. With the day coming to a close seemingly as quickly as it started, I found myself mesmerized by the sight before me.  The pavement was smooth and black, a fine surface upon which vehicles could easily travel.  While there was nothing distinctively different from other similar spaces, it was obvious this lot had been well maintained.  Yet what caught my eye and captivated my thoughts were the tiny sprouts of green invading the resilient blacktop.

Such minute details are frequently overlooked as we focus on the next activity or task needing our attention.  But in that frozen moment, all I could focus on was the weedy vegetation that would threaten the paved lot if it were not eliminated.  The tiny invaders threatened the stability of the parking lot that served so many travelers.  As I considered the small but mighty effort of the tiny invaders, my mind recalled:

 God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good.  Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened.   Genesis 1:10-11 NLT

Soon thereafter I went about my business, leaving the scene behind.  But the image never really left me.  It was vividly etched in my mind.  Even as I write these words, I can still see it.  And the truth of God’s Word continued to echo.  He simply spoke a word that the land should sprout with vegetation and it did.  And it still does.

Even in seemingly insignificant observations, we can witness the truth of God’s Word.  How many times have you seen something growing between the cracks of a sidewalk or along the edge of a parking lot?  Even vacant buildings and abandoned spaces are eventually overcome with vegetation.  God spoke once – how long ago – and yet the land still responds.  How much more might He have to say to us through His written Word, The Holy Bible?  What treasures might we be missing when we neglect it?  Consider this passage from Joshua:

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.   Joshua 1:8 NLT

Indeed, the relevance to our lives and the power of His Word to us today cannot be overstated:

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.  Hebrews 4:12 NLT

God, who created our world and designed our beings, longs to be involved with us, doing life with us and in us.

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT

So let us not neglect His Word.  Let us seek Him, find Him, learn of Him, and continue to be awed at His greatness and the power of His Word.  We can simply look at the vegetation of the earth and acknowledge the witness that His Word is still alive and powerful.

Reflective Resource:  If you find it difficult to read the Bible, consider an audio version that you can listen to amid the routines of your life.  Consider also this Warrior of the Word resource:  How Can I Swim Without My Seahorse is a brief devotion that explores the fascinating seahorse created by God.  Parallels to our spiritual formation are drawn as we read and apply the truths of God’s Word to our lives.  For example, did you know that the tail of a seahorse is actually square, not round?  This special design allows them to better anchor during turbulent waters and resists damage when crushed much like the anchor we have in Jesus when life’s events might otherwise crush us.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.  2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT