Read Psalm 104:14-18. 14You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. 16The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. 18The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
This psalm isn’t meant to be some sort of ancient nature documentary, but a reminder of the purposes and providence of God in creating us. From the beginning God placed man in the Garden to cultivate God’s plants. Plants that serve not only to sustain mankind, but also to gladden and strengthen his heart. Yes, we are meant to work hard, but we are also meant to enjoy the fruits of that labor. Why? Because we are meant to enjoy God forever.
The Fall has stolen much of this from us. We work to survive instead of thrive. We simply exist rather than enjoy existing. But Jesus came to give us his own eternal life and to give it in abundance. At a wedding in Cana, Jesus brought forth wine to gladden the hearts of man (literally). Why was this his first miracle? What did it mean?
Well partly it was a picture of God’s heart, God’s plan for mankind to be restored to a world of sheer joy and gladness. A future time when Jesus will drink the cup of gladness and break the bread of life with us in the Heavenly Kingdom around the Father’s table.
Until that day whenever we gather around the communion table and break the bread and drink the wine, may we remember that our union with Christ is union with his gladness. That to live is Christ is to live in the joy of our salvation.
You: In general, are you glad? Are you joyful?
You in Christ: How does knowing that we have the bread and wine of Christ’s life allow us to be glad, even in difficult times?
Christ in you: Make sure you are celebrating communion with other believers. When will your church next celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
Pray: Father, thank you for all you have given to me in your creation to gladden and strengthen my heart. May all your gifts in Christ remind me of what’s to come – abundant life in your presence. Amen.
To Live is Christ 