Divine Design

The Gospel of John opens not with Jesus’ birth or baptism but with these words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)

John refers to Jesus as the eternal “Word” of God. Jesus is the Word who spoke at the outset of creation, bringing light, sun, moon, stars, creatures, seasons, man and woman, and all things into existence (Genesis chapter 1). Jesus is the Word who also “became flesh” for us (John 1:14). He became one of us to save all of us through His holy life, death, and resurrection. Because of Jesus, we also look forward to life in the new heavens and the new earth which He will unveil on the Last Day, when He will return to take away sin and all its effects forever (Revelation 21:1-5).

During spring and summertime, we enjoy seeing creation renewed in more ordinary ways: re-emerging flowers and perennials (and weeds!), baby birds in their nests or waddling behind their mothers, rain showers which cause our yards and pastures and fields to be filled with lush, green grasses and crops, and so much more. 

In our summer travels and vacations, we get to witness the beauty of other places and scenery within God’s creation. My family and I just returned from a getaway in the Door County, WI area, where we marveled at the crystal blue waters, sunsets on Green Bay, orchards in bloom, and much more. I hope that you have the opportunity to see and appreciate the marvels of God’s handiwork this summer, whether nearby or faraway.

As I think about this marvelous world, the mysteries of space, and the intricacies of living things, I can’t help but think about the “Divine Design” that made it all possible. King David expresses this sense of wonder in Psalm 139:13-14 as he reflects on God's gift of life: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Wonderful ARE God’s works! He IS worthy of praise for the gift of life, the riches of His creation, and especially for the gift of new and eternal life through His Son!

On Sundays this summer, I hope that you’ll join me for our new Bible Study, “Divine Design”, as we discuss the wonders of God’s creation. Beginning June 6, we’ll gather each week at 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall to take a closer look at God’s Word in Genesis regarding His creative work, as well as other passages in Scripture which illuminate more about how, when, and why God created all things. In our Divine Design study, we’ll reflect on the creation of the world and the universe, our fellow creatures, man and woman, marriage, the family, society and community, and more. We’ll discuss how these gifts of God have been impacted by the curse of sin. And we’ll also look forward to the final restoration of God’s creation on the coming day of our Lord. 

Please join us this summer for Bible study this summer – a great opportunity to grow in your relationship with your Creator and with your fellow members of St. Matthew. And may our good and gracious God open our eyes each day to the wonders of His Divine Design all around us!

The Lord be with you this summertime,

                        Pastor Kory Janneke