Beauty surrounds us, but we usually need to be walking in a garden to know it - Rumi
One morning last week the weather was bright if slightly colder; nothing to write home about but enough to remind us that autumn was here. The first mists of the season were apparent on the grass and the bushes. On the hedges surrounding the garden were several spiders webs glistening in the early morning sun. However a most remarkable one had been spun by mother spider spanning an area from the clematis arch to the camellia plant some six feet away; whilst her sister had spun an equally impressive web between the arches. Both were beautiful, delicate silk like structures and each was individual in its design. Surely they are examples of the wonder of God’s creation and an opportunity for us to give thanks for them. How these tiny creatures learn the techniques required for such elaborate constructions is beyond my comprehension.
I know that some people have a fear of spiders but do we really need to fear them? After all, like us they are God’s creatures and like us were put on this earth for a purpose. I read the other day; “Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness” which I think puts it in context. Anyway, the spider uses her web to catch her prey to feed herself and her family. In this sense they remind me that fishermen use their nets to catch fish to feed their families. This thought calls to mind those men fishing on the lake of Galilee all those years ago when Jesus called them to follow Him. He used their nets as a metaphor when He said “I will make you fishers of men”, in the sense of drawing men to Him, that is. But Jesus’ call was not made once and once only two millennia ago. He calls us now, each one of us every day. You and I are His disciples just as those depicted in the Bible and in just the same way we are called to take up the challenge to bring men to God. As I have said many times before people will only come to know God if we show Him to them in our lives, our words, and our actions. As the Prophet says: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8, NIV So next time you see a spider’s web praise God for its beauty but at the same time remember your obligation as His servant.
4 Comments
12/10/2015 02:42:57 pm
Maybe not so much an obligation as a "get to", because God in Christ loves us so much.
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Steve Givens
15/10/2015 03:21:24 pm
Oh how I love this time of year...now I just need to remind myself to get outside and pay attention...for certainly there are signs of God all around us...
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How I enjoy your writing, Peter! I too am awed by the beauty of a spider web, as it is brought to light to us at particular times of day or under certain conditions. And love the analogy of the "fishing nets!" Thought provoking . . . Asking myself, how do I respond to God's call to be "fishers of men?" You always give me something to think about from another perspective. Thank you!
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AuthorI am an Authorised Local Preacher in an Anglo Catholic parish church, in the Diocese of Essex UK Archives
February 2022
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