"God's Beauty in Living Creatures"


 GOD’S CREATURES
          We see the splendor of the Lord in other living creatures, that is, animals.  Now since I have recently shared a message specifically about animals, I will not delve into many more details. Although animals cannot generally be remotely compared to humans, we are similar in one regard -- we are all living, breathing beings unlike inanimate objects in God’s marvelous creation.  We must view animals a little differently than we see trees, rocks, minerals, water, and other elements or compounds in this world. 
          If you recall in the book of Genesis, each species of animal was brought before Adam to be named.  This was far more than an exercise in “identification” or “designation.”  It reveals to us the close connection, the vital role animals will play in our world.  And we see that role even today, the farthest generation ever removed from the point of creation.  It must be noted that no animal was seen as fit as a “helpmeet” for Adam.  This reminds us that animals are significant in God’s creation, but are not equal to humans who are created in God’s image. 
Unless you are a vegetarian, we should be thankful for the animals that provide our food supply.  Also, our pets provide hours and years of enjoyment.  Some are like our own children.  Wild animals are intriguing.  Who doesn’t like to visit the zoo?
 
THE ZOO 
          As a matter of fact, I will admit that one of my special spiritual “encounters” with God came at a zoo, believe it or not.  It was at a time when I was just beginning to “see” or “experience” God in more things than just church or prayer or Bible Study. 
          I was visiting a church member at a St. Louis hospital and knew the zoo in Forest Park was nearby.  So I decided to take a really quick run-through.  I had visited it many times previously but had not been for a good while.  I felt anticipation rising within me for some reason.  I had to park a good distance away, and by the time I approached the entrance I began to feel God’s presence sweep over me.  Now admittedly as a pastor for many years, this was a little odd…since I was at…a zoo and not a church service.  Nevertheless it was just as real for me.  It was God’s way of showing me the things I have recently been preaching to you.  These marvelous, unique creatures reveal God’s glory to us.  Each and every one points directly to a similarly marvelous, unique, creative Divine Being.  Each reveals something about God to us including but not limited to His power, His love for diversity, His sense of humor, and His loving care for His creatures (including us). 
          Let me remind you of one thing…like seeking the Lord’s face we must also constantly “seek” the Lord’s beauty in these earthly creatures in order to see it.  We must constantly “look” and study their relationship with the Creator.