Divine Revelations

In the great and ancient religions of humankind, there is agreement that Divine Wisdom and Law is revealed in two major ways: through Nature, and through the books written by inspired sages, which over time became sacred scripture to those who were drawn to them and felt that through them, they were hearing the Voice of God (by whatever Name) speaking directly to them . All the Wisdom Traditions, then, share in common the One Revelation of Nature, but differ in the scriptures to which they attribute Divine authority. This is a beautiful illustration of the principle of unity and diversity being in essence one whole, as illustrated in the Chinese yin-yang symbol.

The reading today, from Psalm 19, celebrates both kinds of Divine revelation in beautiful and eloquent words.

Here they are:

The spacious heavens declare the glorious handiwork of God.

Day and night speak out, although no words are heard.

They sound their proclamation without the use of speech.

Their Divine direction reaches to the ends of the earth.

Their message fills the whole world, speaking to all people.

God has made the sky a tent for the sun.

It rises in the canopy above with the gladness of a bridegroom.

It runs its course through the sky with the strength of an athlete.

The orbit of the sun extends from one end of heaven to the other.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

The Word of God restores the soul.

The simple are made wise by its teachings.

The heart is made joyful by its commands.

The eyes are enlightened by its truths.

The purposes of God are pure.

They stand, unstained, forever.

The precepts of God are faithful, fair, and right.

They are more desirable than much fine gold,

sweeter than drops of honey.

They provide needed warning to everyone.

There is great reward in keeping to them.

O God, who among us can discern all the ways we fall short of Your glory?

Free us of our hidden and secret faults.

Keep us from selfish arrogance,

and do not let pride or prejudice get the upper hand.

Then we shall be whole, and innocent of damaging transgressions.

Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts

find favor with You, our Rock and our Redeemer.

My response:

Grant me, O God, a heart open to the beauty and wisdom You offer

in the wonders and ways of the natural world.

I want to discern what You are teaching in the always different, always the same

cycle of day and night, months and seasons.

I want to realize how the rocks and trees, rivers and seas

animals and birds and crawling creatures

earth, air, fire, and water

all have something valuable to teach me.

May I hide Your Word in my heart,

and let it be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

as I walk the road of my life back home to You.

May I allow the lamps of the many scriptures that contain your Truth

to also light my way, and help me become truly enlightened.