The Roses

O

ne of the weaknesses that is found in human beings is taking many things for granted. The children of Israel were at first fascinated when God fed them manna from heaven (Ex. 16:15. However, the time came when they took the manna for granted and wanted meat, and God sent them quail (Num. 11:31,32).

Before we become too critical of Israel, we need to consider the fact that we often fall into the same trap. We take for granted the families we love, the church where we worship, the beautiful nation that God has blessed, and even the beauties of His creation.

While on vacation, I visited the Rose Garden in Tyler, Texas and made some pictures. As I entered the garden, there before my eyes were acres of roses in full bloom with almost every color and hue that can be imagined. Once again I was reminded of the God who made them. When I returned to the reception center, I sat down and wrote the following words on the back of a brochure:

“A rose is a special creation — Full of wonders that are very rare — Color, fragrance, and exquisite beauty, — Fashioned with such special care. — Adding grace to beautiful settings — Eloquence that everyone knows. — Then take the time to consider — For only God can create a rose.”

Some of the authors of the Bible wrote about the wonders of God’s creation, because awesome beauty can be seen when looking in all directions. Whether one looks outward to mighty oceans, upward to towering snow-capped mountains, outward across acres of forests and land, or upward into the heavens, all of these herald the glory of God. The propet Isaiah quoted God as saying:

“I have made the earth, and created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded” (Isa. 45:12).

Surely those who know God and His power, often ponder the question, “How can anyone see such a creation of design, beauty, and glory, and then say that they do not believe in God?” The psalmist answers this question for us, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ (Ps. 14:1).

How many of us are too busy today to look up, to look down, and to look out to see that God is everywhere? Do we consider that His name is on every leaf of every tree, on every blade of grass, on every flower, and on all things from the smallest to the largest?

Are we guilty of taking for granted the wonderful and mighty works of God? If we are guilty, it is past time that we stop and smell the roses! —BBBristow