The Theology of Baking Bread
I am deeply persuaded that God created human beings to sing so that we could join in with the ongoing chorus of creation that sings to his glory.
I just love the verses that describe creation singing to the glory of God (see Psalm 65, 96, 98, 148, Isaiah 44, 49, 55, etc.), so one of my all-time favorite classic hymns of the faith that communicates this same theology is “All Creatures of Our God and King.”
Verse 1
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
“Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!” – Psalm 148:3
While this Psalm and hymn point to the absolute power and magnificence of God, who alone can create the galaxies, they also remind us of his tender love. Our Creator of infinite might has such a gentle heart towards those he’s made in his image.
I know you can admit to this: I am so easily distracted, so easily forgetful, and so often blind to the glory and existence of the Creator of the universe. Of course, I believe that God created the heavens and the earth and that he alone is to be worshipped and praised … but I don’t always live that way in the 10,000 little moments of my everyday life and relationships.
The most dangerous thing in life is when a person God created can look at the world and not see God, living as if God does not exist.
And so, what our glorious Creator did was embed his glory in every single thing he’s created. In tender, condescending love, he created a world where we can’t get up in the morning without bumping into him and his glory, through his creation.
“You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it … The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy” (Psalm 65:9, 12–13).
My son came home one day, and I was baking bread in the kitchen. He asked what I was doing, and I saw an opportunity to point him to God. I went on to explain the chemical process of yeast and how, by adding water and sugar, it interacts with the gluten and the flour, expanding to create this beautiful and delicious loaf of bread when baked.
“Isn’t that amazing?” I said. “All of this glory came out of the creative mind of God!”
“Sure, Dad,” my teenage son replied. “I just sit on the subway thinking about how cool yeast is.” And off he walked.
But that’s what God, in his tender mercy, has done with creation. That’s what these Psalms remind us of, and that’s what “All Creatures of Our God and King” sings about. Creation exists to point us to, and remind us of, the Creator.
Because we so easily forget.
Why don’t you take some time today to sing All Creatures of our God and King? I especially love the third verse of the hymn, as it invites us to join in with the chorus of creation.
Take some time to look around and observe all the created glories that God embedded in his creation, to remind you of his glory. Point these out to your children or grandchildren.
And remember that the glorious Creator of the heavens and earth, God and King, full of power and might, is also your tender Father, full of love and mercy. You can cast your cares on him.
Verse 2
Thou rushing winds that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in Heav’n along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice.
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Verse 3
And all ye saints of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on him cast your care:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Verse 4
Let all things their creator bless,
And worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
A Prayer for Today: God, give me the pleasure to sing so that I can join in with the ongoing chorus of creation that sings to your glory. May I not take for granted the world you have created that exists all around me, and may I always be in awe of the glory in creation that points to you and your infinite power. Thank you for the gift of your creation, and thank you for the grace that allows me to see you—the Creator behind all creation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Discussion Prompt for Children
1. How do you think it’s possible to love and appreciate God more by seeing and loving his creation? What in creation is most beautiful to you? How can you worship God the next time you see the beauty of that creation?
2. If you and I don’t understand or appreciate God when we study his beautiful creation around us, how can that be dangerous for our hearts and spiritual life?
3. The next time we’re out driving or visiting a new place, let’s be sure to praise God for all the wonderful things that he has created. You point things out to me that you see and love, and I’ll point things out to you too so that we can love and worship God together!
Reflection Questions
1. What in creation reminds you of God’s glory? How does your own forgetfulness play a part in not seeing God in the wonderful things he has created all around you? What steps can you take to cut back or eliminate your forgetfulness of his glory in creation? Who in your life can help you remember the Creator behind the creation?
2. How can the power and glory of creation point you to the tender love and mercy of the One who made all things? What in creation always stuns you and captures your attention with its beauty? How can the beauty of that creation help you to worship God in new, exciting ways?
3. What in your life easily distracts you from and blinds you to the glory and existence of the Creator of the universe? How can the 10,000 little moments of your everyday life and relationships be pointed in the proper direction that uplifts God and gives credit where credit is due?
4. In what ways can the power and magnitude of the created world help you to cast your cares on the Creator? How can you know for sure that he loves and cares for you?