Harmony of the Universe
God governs the universe with harmony and peace, providing for the needs of all creation and demonstrating His power and control.
Clement of Rome preaches about the divine order and harmony established by God in the heavens, the earth, and all of creation. He emphasizes how everything in the universe, from the sun and moon to the seasons and smallest living beings, operates according to God's commands without deviation. Clement highlights God's goodness and compassion towards all His creation, especially those who seek refuge in Jesus Christ, giving glory and majesty to Him forever.
Text
The heavens, revolving under His government, are subject to Him in peace. Day and night run the course appointed by Him, in no way hindering each other. The sun and moon, with the companies of the stars, roll on in harmony according to His command, within their prescribed limits, and without any deviation. The fruitful earth, according to His will, brings forth food in abundance, at the proper seasons, for man and beast and all the living beings upon it, never hesitating, nor changing any of the ordinances which He has fixed. The unsearchable places of abysses, and the indescribable arrangements of the lower world, are restrained by the same laws.
The vast unmeasurable sea, gathered together by His working into various basins, never passes beyond the bounds placed around it, but does as He has commanded. For He said, "Thus far shall you come, and your waves shall be broken within you." The ocean, impassible to man, and the worlds beyond it, are regulated by the same enactments of the Lord. The seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, peacefully give place to one another. The winds in their several quarters fulfill, at the proper time, their service without hindrance. The ever-flowing fountains, formed both for enjoyment and health, furnish without fail their breasts for the life of men. The very smallest of living beings meet together in peace and concord.
All these the great Creator and Lord of all has appointed to exist in peace and harmony; while He does good to all, but most abundantly to us who have fled for refuge to His compassions through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory and majesty for ever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- The Harmony of the Universe
- The earth and its creatures are governed by God's laws
- The seasons and natural phenomena are regulated by God's enactments
- The seasons give place to one another in peace
- The winds fulfill their service without hindrance
Key Quotes
“All these the great Creator and Lord of all has appointed to exist in peace and harmony;” — Clement of Rome
“The very smallest of living beings meet together in peace and concord.” — Clement of Rome
“Thus far shall you come, and your waves shall be broken within you.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We can trust in God's goodness and provision for our needs.
- We should respond to God's compassion and love by fleeing for refuge to His compassions through Jesus Christ.
- We can live in peace and harmony with all creation, just as God has ordained.