I walked outside tonight just in time to see the sunset. Looking above, I could still see the blue sky, but in the distance was a beautiful array of orange and pink, blanketed by dark storm clouds. Lightning flashed atop the gray with no sound, too far to away to be heard.
It was undoubtedly a testimony of the Lord’s goodness, and I almost felt privileged to witness it. It occurred to me, however, that this majestic scene was not simply crafted for my or anyone else’s enjoyment. These heavenly bodies were made for a purpose. They were made to worship their Creator.
Around 1225, St.Francis of Assisi wrote a hymn exhorting all creation to worship God. Francis was a lover of nature, and many of the stories about his life were of his interaction with animals. His hymn, called, “Cantico di fratre sole,” or “Song of Brother Sun,” urged all nature – including the sun – to praise its God and King.
The English version of the song (which can be read and heard here) appeared in England in 1919 at a children’s worship festival.
Let us not forget that we are included in this exhortation, which originated from Psalm 148:7-13:
“Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”
I pray that we will exalt His name – from every glorious sunrise to breathtaking sunset – and every moment in between.
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Ok, I know this might seem like a weird title, but hopefully as you read it will make more sense to you.