Breathing New Life into Creation
“The pure of heart see all things full of God. They see him in the firmament of heaven, in the moon walking in brightness, in the sun when he rejoiceth as a giant to run his course. They see him ‘making the clouds his chariots and walking upon the wings of the wind.’ They see him ‘preparing rain for the earth,’ ‘and blessing the increase of it.’” – John Wesley. Founder of Methodism
Breaking the Ice
When do you find yourself out in nature? What outdoor activities do you enjoy most (hiking, gardening, camping, going to parks, etc.)?
Reflection
This weekend on Pentecost Sunday, we remembered that Ezekiel stood in a valley filled with dry bones—lifeless remnants of what once was. At God's command, breath entered them, and they became a vast, living army (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Likewise, in Acts 2:1 – 4, God gifted the Holy Spirit to the fearful disciples who thought with Christ’s crucifixion that all hope was lost; however, in a surprising and life-changing instant the Holy Spirit came to breath new life into their despairing hearts. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul reminds us that, in Christ, we are made new. The old passes away, and renewal takes hold. Beloved, this is the mysterious way of God!
Creation reflects this same story—beauty can be restored; life can be revived. Just as God breathed His Spirit into the dry bones, we are called to participate in the renewal of the world. When we care for creation, we act as ambassadors of reconciliation, demonstrating the power of restoration not just for human souls but for the earth itself.
Our surroundings may sometimes feel like Ezekiel’s valley—damaged, depleted, forgotten. But God is in the business of renewal. He invites us to nurture what is broken and steward the world with care. Planting trees, reducing waste, advocating for sustainability—these are all ways we join in His work of making all things new.
I am reminded that a little over two years ago in August 2023, devastating wildfires swept through Maui. These fires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, caused widespread destruction, particularly in Lahaina, where 102 lives and over 2,200 buildings were lost. In the middle of all this destruction, Lahaina’s historic 151-year-old banyan tree was badly scorched, but it survived. Initially, arborists weren’t sure if it would recover, as many of its branches and leaves were charred beyond saving. However, living tissue remained on its lower trunks, offering hope.
The banyan tree beside the remains of the Old Lahaina Courthouse Mario Tama / Getty Images
Since then, dedicated efforts by arborists and volunteers have helped nurse the tree back to life. A watering regimen was established, soaking the soil with thousands of gallons of water daily to support its recovery. Over time, new growth has appeared, and while the tree is still healing, experts remain cautiously optimistic about its future. New life emerging out of the ashes.
In and through God's love and grace, we are the banyan tree – both recipients and ambassadors of hope that springs eternally. May we embrace our role as caretakers, breathing life into what seems lifeless and revealing the hope of redemption in every corner of creation.
Wrestling With the Word
- Often when we read this passage, we think first of humanity in God’s salvation plan. Where does this passage give us insight that all of creation is a part of God’s vision of reconciliation?
- What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ”?
- How does our role as ambassadors of Christ relate to and reshape our role as stewards of creation (from Genesis 1)?
Next Steps
- In what ways can we continue to remind ourselves that God’s salvation plan encompasses all of creation?
- What are projects/programs in our church and community that we can support that are involved in reconciling God’s creation?
Prayer
Creator God, we give thanks for the beautiful earth you have provided for us. May we be more mindful of your creation and care for creation as an act of gratitude and respect for your holy name. Mold us to be your ambassadors who care for your creation. Lead us to opportunities to care and advocate for all of your creation. Amen.