Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
FEARFULLY &
WONDERFULLY MADE
Marykutty Thomas
St. Thomas MTC, NY
14 “I praise you because I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full
well”
David
praised Jehovah, the Creator of all things according to this epiphany and
marveled at God’s design of mankind. The Bible describes David as a man
of God’s own heart. He was obedient, humble and faithful to God. David
was handsome, charming, smart, brave and a capable warrior. However, David was
also the youngest of his brothers, and was entrusted to take care of his
father’s sheep. David accepted this lesser task willingly and applied himself
to it, fighting off bears and lions to protect his flock. From there, God
lifted him up to become King over Israel. During his time, his people adored
him and there was continual prayer and thanksgiving at the Temple of God.
David’s
descendant, Joseph, was also a man of duty. The Bible says Joseph, the husband
of Mary, was faithful and honest. But before the union of the two, Mary
conceived by the Holy Spirit according to God's Holy Will. When Joseph found
out that Mary was with child, he planned to divorce her secretly. But God
intervened and appeared to Joseph in a dream. God revealed to Joseph that Mary
had conceived by the Holy Spirit and that it was God’s will for him to be
with Mary. Joseph did what God asked of him. An obedient, humble and submitting
heart is what God desires. Both David and Joseph had these features, and both
never doubted God.
This
humility and submission is exemplified in Christ. After fasting for forty days
in the desert, Satan came to Jesus and asked Him to make bread out of stone.
Jesus said to Satan, "Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word
of God." Jesus chose to give glory to His Father, rather than show His
power. This submission is echoed by Job when marveling at God’s wonders
and declaring that the mysteries of the universe were “too wonderful for [him]
to know” (Job 42:3). The Psalmist is in similar awe when reflecting on how God
watched as he was formed, and how God knows his innermost being. Job, the
Psalmist and Christ were all aware of God’s omniscience and submitted to His
perfect knowledge and will.
We
all exist to praise and worship the Almighty. In Psalm 119:73, the psalmist is
asking God to give him understanding and to learn His commands after
acknowledging that it was God’s hand that made and formed him. God has made
everyone fearfully and wonderfully, giving everyone an individual fingerprint,
DNA, and personality. More than seven billion people on earth have their own
identity, each one separate from everyone else. And yet, we are all called to
follow the same path. We are to always remember that our Father in Heaven
made us to do His will as He wants. He is our Creator, who guides us and
provides everything. David had this understanding and obedience. Joseph and
Mary did too. Thank God for the life, the breath, the unique individuality, and
the ability to follow Him that each one of us have.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of the Father, the redeemer of
mankind (John 3:16) was sent for us to save us from our sins. Apart from Jesus,
we have no hope and can do nothing (John 15:5). However, because of the hope He
gives us, we should be thankful! Thanksgiving for the Christian is not meant to
be just one day. It should be every day - every minute of our lives. Although
Thanksgiving Day in America has just passed, we must continually thank God for
the life, provisions and comfort He has given us. Thanks be to our Creator, our
Protector, our Redeemer, who shed His blood on Calvary to make us children of
God. Thank you Father for this. You have made everyone fearfully and
wonderfully, and written our names as believers in Your book (Psalm 139:16).
PRAYER
Almighty God, our Heavenly
Father, grant us Your mercy, knowledge and wisdom to know Your commands.
Let us do Your will, and please You more every day. Let the Advent
season be a blessing to all, and may the world know You as its Creator.
Help us to always remember that You are in control, and guide
everyone by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
May our thoughts, words, and deeds be pleasing to our Father in Heaven.