Pilgrimage 2023: Lord, when did we see You? While Experiencing Creation
Written by Jordan Miller, Davidson College sophomore (former NCCUMC youth vice president)
Devotion 1: Creation of Light and Dark
Bible Verse
Genesis 1:14-19 And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights– the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night– and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
Reflection
God created the day and the night, the light and the darkness. The metaphor of life as a rollercoaster, filled with both exhilarating highs and challenging lows, is a perfect reflection of this verse and a poignant description of the human experience. Just like a rollercoaster, life’s journey is marked by moments of intense joy, accomplishment, and fulfillment, as well as periods of profound sadness, disappointment, and struggle. This dichotomy of emotions forms the core of the human experience and shapes the rich narrative of our lives.
During the peaks of our existence, when everything seems to be going our way, we experience the light. These are the moments when we achieve our goals, feel connected to loved ones, and revel in the beauty of life. During these high points, we often find ourselves brimming with confidence and gratitude, fully enjoying the positive aspects that life has to offer. However, life is not without its trials. The darkness, often characterized by moments of loss, failure, and heartbreak, can be particularly challenging to navigate. During these times, we might feel devastated, broken, and overwhelmed by negative emotions. These moments can be incredibly difficult, testing our resilience, our faith, and our ability to overcome.
In the face of life’s uncertainties and shadows, the encouragement to remain faithful and draw closer to God can provide a sense of purpose and direction. This advice emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of spirituality or faith as a source of guidance and hope. When darkness looms, faith can act as a beacon, helping us find our way through the challenges we encounter. God gave us both the light and the darkness, but even in the darkness, there is hope, there is light. Piercing through the dark sky, God gifted us the moon and the stars as reminders, as tangible beacons, assuring us that we are never alone, that there is light even in the darkness and that the sun will rise again.
God created the day and the night equally, in perfect balance. Just as day and night coexist in harmony, our experiences encompass both positive and negative elements. Both aspects contribute to our growth and understanding. The darkness teaches us resilience, empathy, and the importance of seeking light, while the light brings joy, clarity, and the ability to appreciate life’s blessings.
In essence, the rollercoaster metaphor captures the dynamic nature of life’s journey. Embracing both the highs and lows allows us to fully embrace and appreciate the complexity and richness of the human existence. Finding strength and guidance through faith during challenging times, while also cherishing the moments of joy, creates a well-rounded perspective that enables us to navigate the twists and turns of life with grace and resilience and faith.
Discussion Questions
- When have you felt times of darkness? How did you persevere through these times?
- How can we share the light of Christ for others in our lives?
Prayer To Close
Dear Lord, Help us to remember that your light shines even in the darkest corners. Grant me the wisdom to recognize your light, even in the subtlest glimmers. Help me to lean on you, to trust your perfect timing, and to find solace in the knowledge that your plans for me are good. Open my eyes to find your light even in the most unexpected places. As I navigate my life, may I be a reflection of your love and grace to those around me who are also searching for hope. Amen.
Devotion 2: Creation of Family
Bible Verse
Genesis 1:27 So God created humankind in God’s image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Reflection
Genesis 1:27 reminds us that every individual, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, is created in the image of God. We are created by God, the Creator of the universe, and bear His image. This speaks to our purpose, potential, and the unique qualities that make us reflections of his character. Just as an artist’s masterpiece carries the essence of the artist’s creativity, we carry the essence of our Heavenly Father’s divine nature within us.
This verse also underscores the importance of unity within diversity. Our world is rich with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, yet we all share the commonality of being image-bearers of God. Our differences are not meant to divide us, but to enhance the beauty of our collective reflection of Him.
In a world that often struggles with division, discrimination, and inequality, Genesis 1:27 serves as a powerful reminder of our shared identity. It calls us to treat one another with respect, compassion, and love, recognizing the divine spark that resides in each person we encounter.
Jesus Christ, during His time on earth, demonstrated the utmost respect for the dignity of every individual. He broke down cultural barriers, engaged with societal outcasts, and elevated the worth of women in a patriarchal society. As His followers, we are called to follow His example by valuing and affirming the worth of every person we meet.
Let us strive to live out the truth of Genesis 1:27 in our daily lives. May we approach each interaction with the awareness that we are interacting with someone created in God’s image. Let us champion unity in diversity, seeking to understand and learn from one another’s unique perspectives. By doing so, we not only honor God’s design but also contribute to a world where His love and grace are made evident through our actions.
As we reflect on this verse, let it be a source of inspiration and motivation. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, designed in the image of the Creator of the universe. Embrace your identity and seek to reflect God’s love, grace, and unity in all that you do.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to be “created in God’s image”?
- In what ways can we reflect God’s image in our daily lives?
- How does the idea of being created in God’s image connect with our responsibility as stewards of creation?
Prayer To Close
Dear Lord, thank You for fashioning us in Your image, breathing life into our beings. Help us to embrace our identity as being made in your image, acknowledging our worth and the purpose You’ve bestowed upon us. May we reflect Your character in all we do, celebrating our diversity while striving for unity in Christ. Renew us daily, Lord, as we journey toward the full restoration of the divine image within us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.