Creation and Praise

We had a discussion tonight in Disciple class about creation and praise. In Genesis 1, there is a sense that creation is involved in the process of creation -- not motivating it, but putting forth creation. In Genesis 2, man works the last, becoming a partner in creation. The creation is involved in creating.

In the same way, perhaps, many of the Psalms --Psalm 19, for example, speak of Creation praising God. The mountains, the trees, the birds of the air, all praising God. We are called to join the chorus (Psalm 33, for example). We have a response to the wonder of God.

It's a great image -- to imagine trees clapping and mountains praising. But consider birds, flying in the valleys, riding the waves of heat rising. They are living up to their full potential as creations, and perhaps that is means of praise. There is something majestic and wonderful in watching them soar.

In Psalm 150, it seems as if we are called to "give it everything we've got" in praise of God. Cymbals, trumpets, dance -- our whole being involved in praise.

I wonder if perhaps that is what unites the concept. We are made in the image of God; creation is a product of the imagination of God, it sings of its glory when it fulfills its purpose. Perhaps we are glorious testimonies to God's power and wonder when we do the same.