In the Christian Science Bible Lesson February 7, 2011 Issue

Praise the abundance of God

For the lesson titled "Soul" from February 7-13, 2011

Christa Kreutz

This week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Soul,” praises God’s creation as unconditionally bountiful. Soul is the aspect of the Divine that pertains to infinity and spiritual laws of abundance.

The psalms in the Responsive Reading praise the abundant gifts of God: Rivers flow, trees are watered, trees are fruitful. They make it clear that creation is holy and blessed, but also invite us as readers to bless God because of His wonderful works: “In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches” (Ps. 104:24). 

Psalm 148 in Section I, with language similar to Genesis 1, implores all of creation, including the mountains, the animals, and all people, to praise God. “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent” (verse 13, citation 2). The acts of praising and blessing must have been very important to the Biblical writers, underscoring that God’s creation requires participation. The act of reciprocal blessing is taking part in God’s creation, opening our eyes to see the abundance and power of Soul. 