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Commentary on "Nature as a Source of Health"
Day 6: Thursday, March 17, 2011 - Psalm 104
OVERVIEW
Today’s lesson focuses on Psalm 104 and what it tells us about God and His involvement in creation, and the affairs of this world. It reiterates to us that God is involved and cares deeply for humanity. “After all, what is the cross if not God intimately and directly involved in human affairs?”
It continues with stating how the God in Psalm 104 is not the god of the deists (deism, a popular 19th century belief), but is involved in what happens here on earth.
Nature, as a source of healing, is mentioned. This continues to say how fresh air, sunlight, water and a healthy diet can do wonders for us physically and mentally. Natural remedies remain a powerful means of health and healing. Nature is one of God’s greatest gifts. What are ways we can benefit better from what God has given us in nature?
OBSERVATIONS
The basic premise of this lesson is good. Reading Psalm 104 is good, as it strengthens our faith in God’s power and sovereignty. It underscores the truth of the cross being the ultimate example of God becoming intimately involved in human affairs. My biggest complaint is that it kind of meanders regarding nature, health, relaxation, etc. There’s not enough emphasis on God, and too much emphasis on how nature is “good for us”. One statement I object to is “nature can also be a source of healing to the body, mind and spirit.” God has given us resources within nature to use for our physical well-being, but nature is never the source, God is. Spiritually, nature is never a source. In spiritual matters, God alone is our resource. Our spiritual condition has nothing to do with enjoying nature, and everything to do with God, our belief in Jesus (and our submission to Him) and the Holy Spirit in us (Rom. 6:11; 8:9).
Yes, nature is a great gift. If the balance of our natural world wasn’t exactly as it is, life couldn’t exist. It’s no accident. God is in control and our first thought about gifts of nature, healing, etc., should be to our Creator—the one who has meticulously placed everything in nature as it is.
CONCLUSIONS
- Focusing on Psalm 104 was great.
- There was too much meandering conversation about nature and how it’s “good for us”—not enough emphasis on God.
- Nature is not the source of healing—God is.
- Spiritually speaking, God is the only source needed for regeneration and salvation, nature has nothing to do with it. We have to submit to Jesus Christ, ask Him into our life and live by the Spirit (Rom. 6:11; Rom. 8:9).
- Nature is a great gift, but our first thought should be of our amazing Creator and how He has meticulously placed everything in nature as it is.
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised March 13, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
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Standard Edition Study Guide Week 12
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