Hidden in the Beauty

Michael E. Wood

September 9, 2013

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:9-12

With the busyness of life we often fail to contemplate the glory of God as He continually speaks through Creation. Yes, the scriptures are the primary means through which He reveals Himself by His Spirit, and yet the heavens declare the glory of God and day by day He speaks through His creation.

While driving down the street a few days ago, I noticed the subtle change which has begun to take place in the coloring of the leaves on some of the trees here in northern California. Though the temperatures continue to push toward the century mark, Fall is encroaching upon us.

As the words of the first stanza of this poem began to flow out of the enjoyment of the glory of God in creation, I came to a stopping place and wrote the thoughts which had immediately come to mind. Several days passed before I had time to contemplate what I had written in light of what the scripture has to say.

The breath of God begins to blow

And gently kiss the trees

In demonstration of His glory,

Beautifying leaves;

Which soon will fall and manifest

In part the promise made,

That He alone provides for all the life

Which soon will fade.

So hidden in the beauty is a

Warning to be heard.

Oh, let the rich think not that certain

Judgment is deterred.

For once the Fall is past then Winter

Surely will then come,

And only those prepared by grace

From God will know the sum

Of the fullness, of the glory, of

The ones who yet remain

Steadfast under trial to the end

And then shall claim

The crown of life which God has promised

To all those who love

Him, who loved us first and sealed us,

By His Holy Dove.

Hidden in the beauty, and remembrance

Of the Fall

Is the glory of our God; Lord Jesus,

Over all.

And He alone gives power to transfer

A soul from death

Into everlasting life, in Him,

Who gave us our first breath.