Daily Frameworks for 25 January 2024

Istijlál, 07 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

Thou beholdest, O my Lord, how I have set myself towards the ocean of Thy grace and the adored sanctuary of Thy favors. Deny me not, I pray Thee, the drops which are sprinkled from the ocean of Thy gifts; neither do Thou withhold from me the outpourings of the clouds of Thy tender mercies. I am he, O my God, that hath clung to the resplendent hem of Thy robe, and taken hold on Thy strong cord that none can sever. I testify that Thou hast created me, and nourished me, and brought me up, and fed me, and sustained me, that I may recognize Him Who is the Dayspring of Thy signs, and the Revealer of Thy clear tokens. I offer unto Thee, therefore, most high praise, O Lord my God, that Thou hast suffered me to attain unto this most sublime station and this most august seat. Thou, truly, art the Great Giver, the Almighty, the All-Bountiful, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Why did God create us? ²

Google Bard Response:

This beautiful passage by Bahá’u’lláh offers a unique perspective on why God created us. Here are some possible interpretations:

To recognize and worship God: The passage emphasizes the purpose of creation as recognizing “Him Who is the Dayspring of Thy signs, and the Revealer of Thy clear tokens.” This suggests God created us to witness and acknowledge His existence, majesty, and grace. The speaker expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to reach this “most sublime station” and “most august seat” of understanding and devotion.

To express God’s love and bounty: The passage’s wording suggests God’s creation of humanity as an act of love and generosity. Phrases like “nourished me, brought me up, fed me, sustained me” paint a picture of a nurturing creator who desires his creation to experience his benevolence. Recognizing and worshipping God is then seen as reciprocating that love.

To participate in God’s plan: The mention of “the ocean of Thy grace” and “the clouds of Thy tender mercies” implies a more comprehensive, divine plan in which humans play a role. While the specific nature of this role is not explicitly stated, the passage suggests that our purpose is to be active participants in God’s unfolding purpose for the universe.

To experience spiritual growth: The language of “most sublime station” and “most august seat” indicates a potential for spiritual advancement and evolution within God’s creation. The passage suggests that experiencing God’s grace and recognizing His presence is not just a static state but a journey of continual growth and refinement.

It’s important to note that interpreting this passage, like any religious text, is open to individual reflection and understanding. Some might emphasize the personal connection with God, while others might focus on the more expansive role of humanity in the divine plan. Ultimately, the purpose of God creating us is a mystery that each individual must contemplate and interpret within their faith and perspective.

While this passage from Bahá’u’lláh doesn’t provide a definitive answer to why God created us, it offers a beautiful and poetic perspective that emphasizes recognition, gratitude, and participation in a divine plan. It invites us to contemplate the profound mystery of our existence and our relationship with the divine.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 227-228. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/6#227251851. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 39. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩