Learning from God's Creation (Part 13 of 0)

The Creator Gave the Law – Part fouteen

The Creator is also the lawgiver. The same mind that produced the intricate designs of nature offers us the consistent harmony of the word of God. Inevitably, similar patterns and lessons can be discerned in creation and in the law of the Lord. Both subjects can usefully be considered on two levels, the apparent and the spiritual.

Lessons in nature

All around us we observe the clouds and the wind; we watch the birds and the fish; we consider the trees and the mountains. We can explore and enjoy the works of creation. We can study biology, botany, meteorology and innumerable aspects of physical science. But we can stop there. Or we can look beneath the surface, beyond the natural, pondering the parables and absorbing spiritual lessons for our lives.

Lessons in the law

So it is with God’s law. We read its details and many commandments, restrictive prohibitions and complex rituals. We can classify and codify its requirements. We observe its impact upon the life of the nation of Israel. But we can stop there. Or we can look below the surface, seeking the spiritual lessons directed to Israel, and take each of those lessons into our own hearts.

Seeing principles

It is in the writings of Moses that we first encounter each of the principles that are subsequently developed throughout the scriptures. Here we learn of the majesty of God and the mortality of man. It is through Moses that we initially discover the futility of selfish, human endeavor. Through the lawgiver, we also perceive the boundless grace of God, His mercy toward the humble, His strength available to the weak, His offer of life for the dying, His search for the responsive human heart that yearns, in spite of human weakness, to obey. For such faithful hearts, we discover in the pages of the Pentateuch that God’s grace is sufficient.

Let us, then, pray with the Psalmist:

“Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

“Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight” (Psa. 119:18,77 RSV).