Daily Devotionals
Devotional: 10th of Tammuz
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good (Genesis 1:31).
We Jews are creation-oriented. We say a blessing over even seemingly little things: Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu, melekh ha'olam, borey peri hagafen. (Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, king of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.) Some believers forget to celebrate the fact that our God is the great Creator. Scary end-times scenarios propel some to overemphasize God as the Redeemer of a sick society and neglect to exalt his role as Creator of the world.
Don't get stuck recounting only the world's ills and the devil's plans. Look around you! Look at the magnificent sky which our King set in place. Look at the trees whose branches reach to the heavens in the posture of prayer and praise. Gaze into the faces of children and read the stories of bunny-love in their eyes. Call to mind the magnificent people in your congregationall different, all gifted, all amazing human beings.
See in your mind's eye the infant Yeshua. If ever our God showed his stamp of approval on the physical world, it can be known through reflection on the wonder of the Incarnation. So high did our King value this world that he sent his Son to share in its physical reality.
Today, as you check off the many activities listed on your to-do list, look around ...just look around. See God's majesty in what he has made, and be glad.
...make it a point to be aware of God's kavod, revealed in his wonderful creation.
RN