Teachers of the Earth - June 14

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; Deut. 31:30-32:14; 2 Cor. 11:21b-33; Luke 19:11-27

1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;

   let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

2 May my teaching drop like the rain,

   my speech condense like the dew;

like gentle rain on grass,

   like showers on new growth.

3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;

   ascribe greatness to our God!

We were walking along the Cahaba River in Helena a few weeks ago with a group on one of the church’s monthly Holy Hikes. As we often do on these hikes, instead of preaching, we invite people to share what they have seen on the hike that stands out. I had noticed that the ferns were stretching out, as if they were singing this beautiful song, making a joyful noise unto the Lord. 

We often look to nature to glean a deeper understanding of God.  I’ve heard many times from many people this idea that people find God in nature. I’ve had similar experiences glancing at the vast night sky or being engulfed in an old-growth forest where I begin to just get a glimpse of the immeasurable expanse of creation. We learn about God, about Resurrection, about life, and care through the created world.  

Our passage from Deuteronomy offers us a different perspective, one frankly that I haven’t really considered before – the earthy might learn from us. “Give ear, O heavens… let the earth hear the words of my mouth.” The author then continues to use what the author has learned from creation. “May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew.”  Here the author is pivoting back and using how creation has informed the author's understanding of God.  But I can’t ignore the idea that the earth will hear the teaching too. 

What are we teaching the earth by our blatant disregard for the earth’s health? What does this teach the earth about the sacredness of God and God’s intention in creation? What if we taught the earth like we teach our children, through care and patience, and intention? Maybe it’s silly to consider but we certainly have a relationship with the earth and healthy relationships are mutual. What can we offer back to what has given us everything?  Praise, care, and love seem a good place to start.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What has the earth learned from you recently?  How can you give back to the earth that we are in relationship with?  

Daily Challenge:  Spend time outside today, time you wouldn’t have spent.