If you believe the Genesis account of creation (and I do), then there are only two ingredients necessary to make a human being: The dust of the ground, and the Breath of Life. (See Genesis 2:7) Sounds pretty basic, doesn’t it?
The dust of the ground is the most common thing in creation. We can find it anywhere. Even in areas of the world where there is abject poverty and famine, you can find dust in abundance. I know that my wife finds dust all over our house...especially in my areas of the house!
The Breath of Life, on the other hand, can be found nowhere in creation. It is not common, it is holy. It comes to us only from God.
Without God breathing the Breath of Life into us, we would be almost nothing. But with God, we are the crown of all creation (see Psalm 8).
We are about to enter the Season of Lent, and it is a good time to reflect on the fact that we owe everything we have to God Who has breathed His own breath into us. It’s only because of Him that we live and move about, and enjoy all the blessings that we have.
I was raised in the Catholic Church, and I remember going to Ash Wednesday services every year, having ashes placed on my head and hearing the priest say, "Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."
As we eagerly wait for Easter to come, take a few minutes every day breathing in and out, and thanking God for that breath that has given you life. For without Him, you are nothing but the dust of the ground.
2 comments:
Hi Jeff--I was going to bed early but I found your blog and here I am,1 hr. later, feeling much joy after reading what you have written. As always, I am so proud of you and love you and Cherith dearly. I will have to play your CD tomorrow at work and again feel the joy that I do every time I listen to it!!Keep up the good work--it is so obvious that God is watching over you and continues to lead you every day!!Love,"Aunt" Linda
Hi Jeff.
When I was a young boy, I remember hearing a Christian music duo at Grace United Methodist Church in Grove City, PA.
The title of the duo, interestingly, was "Dust and Ashes."
I hadn't thought about them for quite some time, but your post brought them to mind.
I remember them saying that their name was a daily reminder of their humanity and their utter reliance upon the grace of God.
As always, thanks for helping me to think more deeply.
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