COLUMN | CREATION HOPE
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COLUMNIST
TOBI OLUJINMI
The Message of Hope , Preached All the More
I was given the theme , ‘ Planting for the Future ’ for my Pause for Thought contribution on BBC Radio 2 . It caused me to reflect on the intricate processes running through creation .
For example , we know
photosynthesis is the process of plants making their own food with glucose and oxygen . There is much to be said about the process of planting a seed , delicate and oftentimes tiny in their form . They encapsulate immense potential to grow into something strong and beautiful ; this , coupled with the idea that light and dark are equally important to the process , causes one to pause for a moment .
Yes , indeed , when I do look at the detail of creation , I stare in wonder – but does this tell us about our Creator and how does this shape our message as the church ?
As we continue in the new year , full of hope and expectation , challenging moments still exist for many people . The Bible speaks to us about how we should mourn with those who mourn , and we do , as the world reels from a global pandemic : families mourn loved ones no longer with us ; some have lost their livelihoods in the thick of lockdown and struggle to make ends meet . We also hold a myriad of other situations and stories untold . The darkness however , presents great opportunity for us as the church to shine the light all the more .
It has never been a more important time for us to remind ourselves and the church of who the Creator is and how our hope can be found in him .
I am reminded of David in 1 Samuel
30 , after losing everything , we read that he was greatly distressed . However , the scripture also recalls that ‘ he encouraged himself in the Lord and found strength there .’ Not only is this a powerful moment documented , it calls me to acknowledge that despite distress and discomfort , strength can be found in the Creator . The Lord remains our hope and our future . We cannot allow difficult times to weaken our resolve . Is the message of hope still something we are preaching from our pulpits ?
In modern times we have seen the dangers of politicising Christianity ; we have seen a church divided on matters of race , foreign aid , and sexuality . We see in news headlines and social media feeds the message of discouragement and hopelessness , constantly rehearsed and sensationalised . Sometimes the church chooses popularity over truth , engages in superficial debates or divisive tweets that point away from the Creator , where no hope can be found . Is it not for the church to point to the Creator , who dresses the lilies , to find our hope ? If we join the chorus of hopelessness , then how can we attest to the strength which can be found in the Creator , our Lord ? Very much like the time of David , this moment in history will definitely be one for the books , but what will it record the church as saying ?
The beauty of creation masterfully explains a loving Creator who is concerned with the intricacies of our lives . From looking at creation , outlined in the book of Genesis , we see a Creator who is timely and intentional . Every part of the process is necessary , and nothing is wasted – what a message of hope . Peace can be found as we look towards the future knowing that the Creator is still in control .
Yes , just as all of creation remains on schedule , the sun rising and setting as designed , preachers around the world should be encouraged to remain on message . The world is distressed and still in need of a Saviour . The good news is still impactful , it is still relevant and as we point to the work of the Lord , the Creator , our identity is confirmed and hope can be renewed .
During lockdown , the UK Government initially declared church gathering was not an essential service , but the message of the church is very much essential and we should continue to shout it from the rooftops . This is a message of hope . May you be encouraged by the words of Paul concerning hope in Romans 15:13 , ‘ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him , so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit .’
Tobi Olujinmi
Tobi is the founder of the W TALK Network , an entertainment and faith media platform for women . An international speaker and producer , she is passionate about communicating God ’ s Word to today ’ s culture . www . thewtalk . com