I was leading worship at a camp chapel overlooking Lake Erie. We were singing a hymn with a verse speaking of hearing rolling thunder. As we enthusiastically sang those words, distant thunder rumbled across the lake waters. Some worshippers seemed convinced I had somehow arranged those sound effects.
Our reading today is, at its heart, a poem in praise of thunder. In thunder, the psalmist hears the voice of God, a voice so mighty that it breaks cedars of Lebanon and splits oak trees. I love to watch a thunderstorm from a safe place. I sense that the psalmist did also.
I think the framers of our lectionary specifically chose this psalm to be read in the week when we will celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Sunday we will hear that at our Lord’s baptism, a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)
We have learned to recognize God in sunrises and sunsets, in forest walks, in mountain peaks, and in vast fields of grain. Today we learn that we can also see and hear God in lightning flashes and resounding thunder.
God of creation, thank you for the wondrous ways we see your majesty and hear your voice. Amen. —