SONSHIP: POWER, LOVE AND RESPONSIBILITY

“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee” (Nehemiah 9:6, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article examines the foundational role of Jesus Christ as Creator, revealing God’s love through the natural world, and urges a faithful response through worship, obedience, relationships, and stewardship, culminating in a call for personal and communal reform.

CHRIST’S CREATIVE POWER!

The creation story begins with a profound truth—Jesus Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of everything. Scripture declares, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3, KJV). From the vast galaxies to the smallest flower, Christ’s hand formed all existence. Yet, as John 1:10 reminds us, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not” (KJV). This paradox invites us to reflect on God’s majesty and humanity’s failure to recognize Him. God appoints His Son heir of all things, and by Him makes the worlds, as “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2, KJV). God creates all things by Jesus Christ, and “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:9, KJV). Ellen G. White writes, “All things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declared that God is love” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). Sr. White also states, “In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature” (The Great Controversy, p. 644, 1911). Recognizing this truth leads us to reverent worship and obedience. But how does Scripture deepen this understanding of Christ’s eternal authority?

ETERNAL AUTHORITY UNVEILED!

Paul deepens this concept, stating, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15–17, KJV). These verses highlight Christ’s eternal authority, both in creating and sustaining the universe. As Sr. White affirms, “It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). The Bible also teaches that the Lord lays the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of His hands, since “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands” (Hebrews 1:10, KJV). Worthy is the Lord to receive glory and honour and power, for He creates all things, and “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11, KJV). Sr. White writes, “God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human family might become one with the heavenly family” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 225, 1902). Sr. White also states, “The Lord has given man capacity for continual improvement, and has granted him all possibilities of spiritual development” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 438, 1881). Recognizing this truth leads us to reverent worship and obedience. But how does creation reveal more than just God’s power?

LOVE IN NATURE’S HARMONY!

Creation reveals more than God’s power—it displays His boundless love. Sr. White writes, “And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father’s love” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Nature’s harmony mirrors divine care, providing for our needs and inviting us to trust in God’s provision. Jesus said, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28–29, KJV). God’s love extends beyond beauty—it sustains life. Rain nourishes the earth, seasons mark time, and sunlight fosters growth. This intricate design demonstrates intentional care. Sr. White observes, “He filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). The Lord shows goodness to all and His tender mercies are over all His works, as “The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalm 145:9, KJV). The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen in the things that are made, for “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator’s love” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). Sr. White also states, “God is love is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green—all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). As stewards of creation, we are called to reflect this love by caring for others and protecting the world entrusted to us. But how does honoring God extend beyond admiration to daily worship and obedience?

WORSHIP THROUGH OBEDIENCE!

Worship is not confined to rituals but is lived through gratitude and obedience. Paul exhorts, “Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV). Recognizing Christ as Creator inspires devotion, shaping our actions to align with His will. Sr. White emphasizes, “It was Christ that spread the heavens… and laid the foundations of the earth” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Honoring God involves humility, submission, and faithfulness to His commandments. In the sanctuary, divine order was symbolized through the altar of sacrifice, laver, and candlestick. Each element pointed to Christ’s role in redemption and restoration. Similarly, our lives should reflect His order and purpose—expressing love, truth, and justice. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice which is your reasonable service, since “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV). Do all to the glory of God, and “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Before there could be any permanent reformation the people must be led to feel their utter inability in themselves to render obedience to God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 524, 1890). Sr. White also states, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). Worship becomes an act of living faith, acknowledging God’s authority through daily actions. But how does our relationship with God shape how we treat others?

LOVE IN HUMAN BONDS!

Our relationship with God shapes how we treat others. Just as creation demonstrates divine care, we are called to extend care and kindness to those around us. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). This principle is reflected in stewardship, service, and forgiveness. Sr. White writes, “He filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Reflecting this beauty means fostering peace, compassion, and harmony in our interactions. Stewardship extends beyond the earth to our relationships—preserving unity, sharing God’s truth, and lifting others in love. Love your brother as God commands, for “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:21, KJV). Be kind and forgiving to one another, and “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all created beings” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Sr. White also states, “The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging love” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Reflecting this beauty means fostering peace, compassion, and harmony in our interactions. But how does recognizing Christ as Creator demand that we honor Him through worship and gratitude?

GRATITUDE AND DEVOTION!

Recognizing Christ as Creator demands that we honor Him through worship and gratitude. Paul reminds us, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28, KJV). This dependence calls for humility, trust, and praise. Sr. White echoes this, stating, “It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Obedience to God’s commandments reflects our gratitude. The Ten Commandments form the foundation of moral law, guiding us to love God and others. By following these principles, we demonstrate faithfulness and trust in God’s divine order. Come and worship the Lord our maker, since “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6, KJV). Give thanks in everything as God’s will, and “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The perfection of Christian character depends wholly upon the grace and strength found alone in God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 253, 1875). Sr. White also states, “The obedience that Christ rendered is exactly the obedience that God requires from human beings today. It was the obedience of a son. He served His Father in willingness and freedom, and with love, because it was the right thing for Him to do. “I delight to do Thy will, O My God,” He declared; “yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Thus we are to serve God. Our obedience must be heart-service. It was always this with Christ. If we love Him, we shall not find it a hard task to obey” (Signs of the Times, November 15, 1899). Our lives, lived as testimonies, invite others to know Christ. But how does our duty to our neighbors reflect God’s love?

STEWARDSHIP OF KINDNESS!

Our duty to our neighbors reflects God’s love. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). This verse underscores compassion and support as central to our faith. Sr. White observes, “He filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). Just as creation reveals God’s care, so must our actions reflect kindness and service. Caring for others includes meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Sharing the Gospel, offering comfort, and promoting justice testify to Christ’s sustaining power. Do good unto the least and unto Christ, for “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40, KJV). Pure religion includes visiting the fatherless and widows, and “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Every act, every deed of justice and mercy and benevolence, makes heavenly music in Heaven” (Signs of the Times, April 15, 1886). Sr. White also states, “God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and love to man” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1911). By living selflessly, we honor God and point others to His grace. But how does creation not only reveal God’s power and love but also call us to action?

REFORM AND RESPONSE!

Creation not only reveals God’s power and love but also calls us to action. We are invited to honor the Creator through worship, obedience, and service. Sr. White states, “Upon all things… He wrote the message of the Father’s love” (The Desire of Ages, p. 20, 1898). This truth unites us in faith, purpose, and mission. As we reflect on God’s creation, we must ask ourselves—how will we respond? Will our lives echo His order and beauty? Will our worship inspire others to see His love? Look unto God and be saved, for “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22, KJV). We are ambassadors for Christ, and “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Let the children learn to see in nature an expression of the love and the wisdom of God; let the thought of Him be linked with bird and flower and tree; let all things seen become to them the interpreters of the unseen, and all the events of life be a means of divine teaching. As they learn thus to study the lessons in all created things and in all life’s experiences, show that the same laws which govern the things of nature and the events of life are to control us, that they are given for our good, and that only in obedience to them can we find true happiness and success” (Education, p. 103, 1903). Sr. White also states, “We may study that love for ages; yet we can never fully comprehend the length and the breadth, the depth and the height, of the love of God in giving His Son to die for the world. Eternity itself can never fully reveal it. Yet as we study the Bible and meditate upon the life of Christ and the plan of redemption, these great themes will open to our minds more and more” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 740, 1889). These questions guide us to deepen our faith and embrace our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1, 3, KJV).

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

SONSHIP: POWER, LOVE AND RESPONSIBILITY

“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee” (Nehemiah 9:6, KJV).

Leave a comment Cancel reply