Creation or Redemption?
Which is the greater miracle? Creation or redemption?
Some thoughts from Bernard of Clairvaux:
"Creation was not so vast a work as redemption, for it is written of man and all things that were made, 'He spoke the word and they were made' (Psalm 148:5).
But to redeem that creation that sprang into being at His word, how much He spake, what wonders He wrought, what hardships He endured, and what shames He suffered!
In the first creation He gave me myself, but in His new creation He gave me Himself, and by that gift restored me to the self that I had lost.
Created first and then restored. I owe Him myself twice over in return for myself.
But what have I to offer Him for the gift of Himself? Could I multiply myself a thousand-fold and then give Him all, what would that be in comparison with God?"
These words from Bernard of Clairvaux, written 1000 years ago, challenge me, especially that line, "In the first creation He gave me myself, but in His new creation He gave me Himself"! WOW!
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