I’ve written hundreds of devotions over the years, but the following from “Timely Reflections” is one of my favorites. I’ve thought of this devotion countless times as Diane and I have marveled at the wondrous colors on campus this autumn.
“Euonymous alatus compactus,” the botanists call it. For us commoners, it’s the “burning bush,” and here on the Seminary campus it’s providing a spectacular display of fall color. True to its common name, its leaves have turned a brilliant red. The popular name comes from Exodus 3: “The angel of the Lord appeared to him [Moses] in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2). God said, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).
How many people, I fear, are missing the awe of creation? How many are obsessed with the screen on their smartphone, computer or tablet? “When through the woods and forest glades I wander,” I have my attention focused on a screen? Duh! In this most beautiful time of the year, we’re obsessed with our own problems? Could it be that autumn is God’s billboard advertising that He is able to help you with your problems? “Earth’s crammed with heaven / And every common bush afire with God: / But only he who sees, takes off his shoes, / The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries.” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
“And Moses said, ‘I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned’” (Exodus 3:3). Be a child again, a child of God, and take a long look. Marvel. And when you turn aside and look at a burning bush, you’ll see that old “Euonymous alatus compactus” has ridged branches, not round and smooth. I wonder why? Perhaps for no practical reason, save the Creator looking down with delight as you and I with childlike wonder marvel at nature. “And God saw everything the he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). So many opportunities to marvel at God’s creation, but what do we do? Rush on to the next meeting, click the next link, pluck our iPhone or what have you.
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