vv7-12 Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths,
fire and hail, snow and clouds wind and weather that obey him,
mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds,
kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth,
young men and young women, old men and children.
To round off our brief series looking at Creation we come to this Psalm that calls on everything that has been created to praise God. His character and creative power is cause for celebration – His purpose in creation is to bring honour and glory to His own name.
To be in step with His purpose we find we need two clear aims.
First – our own lives should bring honour to Him. We offer Him the worship of obedience to His will, and of love that reflects His own character of love.
Second – we give respect to the whole of creation. There can be no excuse for destructive or abusive behaviour towards our fellow humans, the animal kingdom or the material substance of this universe which God has made.
None of this is to say that Earth will continue as it is for ever! God’s plan for the whole of creation is Renewal – turn on and read 2 Peter 3. The personal challenge is unavoidable. ‘ But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
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