Daily Frameworks for 06 October 2024

Jamál, 11 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

Say: If it be Our pleasure We shall render the Cause victorious through the power of a single word from Our presence. He is in truth the Omnipotent, the All-Compelling. Should it be God’s intention, there would appear out of the forests of celestial might the lion of indomitable strength whose roaring is like unto the peals of thunder reverberating in the mountains. However, since Our loving providence surpasseth all things, We have ordained that complete victory should be achieved through speech and utterance, that Our servants throughout the earth may thereby become the recipients of divine good. This is but a token of God’s bounty vouchsafed unto them. Verily thy Lord is the All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

God’s invincible Will far transcendeth their devices, and His Purpose is supreme above all human desires, inasmuch as all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth have been called into being through a single holy breeze—the Word of His command—wafted from His presence, and all shall be brought to naught through but one letter of His. From time immemorial He hath been established upon the seat of His sovereignty, and through eternity will He continue to occupy the inaccessible heights of His glory. Every created thing is impotent before the evidences of His invincible might, and all beings fade into utter nothingness when confronted with the revelation of His awesome majesty. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Hallowed be the Lord in Whose hand is the source of dominion. He createth whatsoever He willeth by His Word of command “Be,” and it is. His hath been the power of authority heretofore and it shall remain His hereafter. He maketh victorious whomsoever He pleaseth, through the potency of His behest. He is in truth the Powerful, the Almighty. Unto Him pertaineth all glory and majesty in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and whatever lieth between them. Verily He is the Potent, the All-Glorious. From everlasting He hath been the Source of indomitable strength and shall remain so unto everlasting. He is indeed the Lord of might and power. All the kingdoms of heaven and earth and whatever is between them are God’s, and His power is supreme over all things. All the treasures of earth and heaven and everything between them are His, and His protection extendeth over all things. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and whatever lieth between them and He truly is a witness over all things. He is the Lord of Reckoning for all that dwell in the heavens and on earth and whatever lieth between them, and truly God is swift to reckon. He setteth the measure assigned to all who are in the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. Verily He is the Supreme Protector. He holdeth in His grasp the keys of heaven and earth and of everything between them. At His Own pleasure doth He bestow gifts, through the power of His command. Indeed His grace encompasseth all and He is the All-Knowing. — The Báb ³

Vouchsafe unto me, O my God, the full measure of Thy love and Thy good-pleasure, and through the attractions of Thy resplendent light enrapture our hearts, O Thou Who art the Supreme Evidence and the All-Glorified. Send down upon me, as a token of Thy grace, Thy vitalizing breezes, throughout the daytime and in the night season, O Lord of bounty. — The Báb ⁴

When the light of faith is kindled in the lamp of the heart and soul, its spreading rays illumine every limb of the body. When this resplendent light shineth forth through the medium of the tongue, it is made manifest in the powers of speech and utterance. When its beams fall upon the eyes, insight and true vision are revealed, and when it stirreth the ear, it bestoweth attentive hearing. When this light sheddeth its radiance upon the mind, it leadeth to the recognition of the All-Merciful, and when it setteth aglow the limbs, it findeth expression in purity and the worship of God. Otherwise, all physical powers, all limbs and members would remain useless and futile and their actions would fade like a mirage in the desert. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁵

O thou servant of the Abhá Beauty! When the celestial Lion rushed forth from the forest of the All-Merciful, He let out such a mighty roar that the sly foxes of ignorance and the cunning jackals, stained with the dye of deceit, fled the field. (An allusion to Rúmí’s story about a jackal that fell into a barrel of paint and then claimed to be a peacock.) They then began to plot and conspire, raised the dust of cruelty and malice, and abased themselves to the depths of degradation, and now bewail and lament in the remoteness of obscurity and extinction. Leave them, therefore, in their corner of oblivion. They are “those who forget God, and whom He hath therefore caused to forget their own selves”. (Qur’án 59:19.) Surely they are a people, evil, in grievous loss! (Cf. Qur’án 21:74.) Upon thee be greetings and praise. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁶

I am going away, but you must arise to serve the Word of God. Your hearts must be pure and your intentions sincere in order that you may become recipients of the divine bestowals. Consider that although the sun shines equally upon all things, yet in the clear mirror its reflection is most brilliant and not in the black stone. This great effulgence and heat have been produced by the crystal clearness of the glass. If there were no clearness and purity, these effects would not be witnessed. Should rain fall upon salty, stony earth, it will never have effect; but when it falls upon good pure soil, green and verdant growth follows, and fruits are produced. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⁷

Question for Consideration

How do the quotes above describe the power of God, the Creator, through His Word of command, and how we should respond? ⁸

Gemini Response:

The quotes emphasize the immense power of God, the Creator, and the importance of responding to His Word with faith, obedience, and service. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes:

The Power of God’s Word

• Creation: The quotes highlight God’s power to create and shape the universe through His Word.
• Invincible Will: God’s will is supreme and cannot be resisted.
• Divine Authority: God’s authority is absolute and unquestionable.
  

The Importance of Obedience

• Divine Command: Obedience to God’s Word is a fundamental duty for all believers.
• Spiritual Growth: Obedience leads to spiritual growth and transformation.
• Divine Blessings: Obedience is rewarded with divine blessings and guidance.
  

The Role of Humanity

• Divine Agents: Humans are agents of God’s will and have the potential to accomplish great things through His power.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Humans are responsible for their actions and will be held accountable for their choices.
• Divine Guidance: Humans must seek divine guidance and inspiration to fulfill their purpose.
  

The Power of Faith

• Overcoming Obstacles: Faith in God’s power can help individuals overcome challenges and obstacles.
• Divine Assistance: Those who have faith in God can receive divine assistance and support.
• Spiritual Transformation: Faith can lead to spiritual transformation and a deeper connection with the divine.
  

The Call to Action

• Teaching the Cause: Individuals are called upon to teach the Cause of God and spread His message.
• Service to Humanity: Serving others is a way to express love for God and contribute to the betterment of the world.
• Spiritual Warfare: Teaching the Cause can be seen as a spiritual warfare against ignorance and injustice.
  

In conclusion, the quotes emphasize God’s immense power, the importance of obedience to His Word, and individual responsibility to teach the Cause and contribute to the betterment of the world. By understanding and embracing these principles, individuals can tap into divine guidance and make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of others.

ChatGPT Response:

The quotes collectively emphasize the supreme power of God, the Creator, manifested through His Word of command. This power is portrayed as absolute, transcending all human understanding and encompassing all realms of existence, visible or unseen. Here are some central insights derived from these passages:

God’s Word as the Source of Creation and Dominion

• The first few quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb highlight that all creation came into being through the Word of God’s command, described as a “holy breeze” or a single utterance of “Be, and it is.” This indicates that God’s Will is the origin and the sustainer of all that exists. The celestial lion, a symbol of divine power and majesty, can emerge at God’s command, illustrating the effortless potency of His will.
• This Word of command can create everything and bring everything to naught. It is an all-encompassing force that renders human endeavors insignificant before God’s might and glory.
  

The Means of Victory

• Although God’s power could bring about victory through a mere word or a demonstration of overwhelming strength, the text mentions that He has chosen “speech and utterance” as the means for His servants to achieve victory. This is a sign of God’s loving providence and an expression of His desire for humanity to partake in the process of spiritual transformation and enlightenment.
  

Response to God’s Power

• Human beings are encouraged to reflect the attributes of God in their capacities, as illustrated in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s metaphor of the sun’s rays reflecting brilliantly in a pure mirror. Purity, sincerity, and receptivity are necessary to become a recipient of divine bestowals.
• When the light of faith illumines the heart, it enables the faculties of the human being to perceive, understand, and express the reality of God’s guidance. Such light must shine through every aspect of one’s being, manifesting as clarity of speech, insight in vision, and purity in action.
  

Response to Opponents of the Truth

• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s reference to the celestial Lion’s roar symbolizes the triumph of divine truth over the forces of ignorance and deceit. Those who oppose or forget God become “sly foxes” or “jackals,” ultimately brought to a state of abasement and lamentation. This description serves as a reminder that human schemes and ambitions are ultimately futile before the majesty of God’s purpose.
  

Call to Service

• Believers are called to arise and serve the Word of God with pure hearts and sincere intentions. The emphasis is on inner transformation, likened to the effect of rain on good soil, which allows for spiritual growth and the bearing of fruits. Only when hearts are pure can they reflect divine attributes and become conduits for God’s blessings.
  

Overall Understanding

These passages inspire a sense of awe at God’s omnipotence and an awareness of humanity’s role as His servants. Our response to His supreme power should be one of humility, sincerity, and active participation in serving His purpose, knowing that even though God’s might could achieve any outcome instantaneously, He has allowed us to be co-workers in the unfolding of His will through the power of words and actions.

Claude Response:

These quotes from Bahá’í writings beautifully describe the supreme power of God and His Word and humanity’s ideal response. Here are the key themes I’ve identified:

• God’s Omnipotence through His Word: The quotes emphasize that God’s power is absolute and all-encompassing. His Word, often represented by the command “Be,” is described as having the power to create entire worlds, render causes victorious, and bring things into or out of existence. For example, Bahá’u’lláh states that God can achieve victory “through the power of a single word from Our presence.”
• Supremacy of God’s Will: The writings stress that God’s will and purpose transcend all human desires and devices. The Báb describes God as the “Source of indomitable strength” whose power is “supreme over all things.”
• God’s Sovereignty over Creation: Multiple quotes highlight God’s dominion over all creation – the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. This sovereignty is described as eternal, from “everlasting” to “everlasting.”
• The Transformative Power of Faith: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá uses the metaphor of light to describe how faith in God can transform a person, illuminating their heart, mind, and actions. This faith is a conduit for manifesting God’s power in the material world.
• Human Response – Purity and Sincere Intentions: The quotes suggest that humans should respond to God’s power with purity of heart and sincerity of intention. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá compares the human heart to a mirror, stating that the purer and more apparent it is, the more it can reflect God’s light and bestowals.
• Servitude and Arising to Serve: There’s a call for believers to “arise to serve the Word of God.” This servitude is the appropriate response to God’s majesty and power.
• Humility and Recognition of God’s Greatness: The overall tone of these quotes encourages a sense of awe and humility in the face of God’s power. They remind readers of their relative insignificance compared to God’s might while emphasizing God’s love and providence.
• Seeking God’s Love and Pleasure: The Báb’s prayer asks for “the full measure of Thy love and Thy good-pleasure,” suggesting that seeking God’s love should be a primary goal for believers.
  

In essence, these quotes paint a picture of an all-powerful, sovereign God whose Word has the power to create and transform. They call upon humans to respond with purity, sincerity, servitude, and a deep recognition of God’s supremacy while seeking His love and striving to reflect His light in the world.

Pi Response:

These profound passages from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá provide a glimpse into the divine power of God and the transformative effect of His Word on creation and the human soul. Here’s a brief exploration of the critical points these quotes make about the power of God through His Word and our response to it:

• The Omnipotence of God’s Word: Bahá’u’lláh asserts that the victory of God’s Cause can be achieved through a single word from His presence, indicating the immense potency of divine utterance. The Báb further elaborates on this by stating that all creation came into existence through a “holy breeze” of His command, highlighting God’s absolute authority over the realms of revelation and creation.
• God’s Unfailing Purpose: The quotes emphasize the supremacy of God’s will and purpose over human desires and devices. This underscores that the divine plan is always in operation and cannot be thwarted by human scheming.
• Divine Strength and Protection: The passages portray God as the source of indomitable strength, the possessor of all treasures, and the swift reckoner who holds the keys to all realms of existence. These attributes inspire awe and reverence for the immense power of the Creator.
• Faith as a Conduit for Divine Power: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains that the light of faith when kindled within one’s heart and soul, illuminates and elevates every aspect of an individual’s being. The divine Word can transform our thoughts, speech, and actions, leading to spiritual insight, recognition of God’s mercy, and worship of God.
  

We are called to recognize and submit to divine authority and purpose in response to these powerful descriptions of God’s Word and its effects. By embracing faith and allowing God’s Word to penetrate our hearts, we can experience profound inner transformation, align ourselves with His will, and strive to lead lives that reflect His divine attributes. Our response to the holy Word should be one of humility, obedience, and a sincere desire to draw closer to the All-Merciful.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Tablets of Baháʾ’u’ʾlláh, Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1978, 197-198. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/tablets-bahaullah/6#370373075. ↩
2. Universal House of Justice. “Fire and Light.” Bahá’í Reference Library, 1986. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/fire-and-light/2#186491001. ↩
3. The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1. ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976, 171. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-bab/selections-writings-bab/8#657504779. ↩
4. The Báb. Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Translated by Habib Taherzadeh. 1. ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976, 191. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-bab/selections-writings-bab/8#270109492. ↩
5. Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. “Compilation for the 2018 Counsellors’ Conference.” Bahá’í Reference Library, May 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/give-me-thy-grace-serve-thy-loved-ones/2#981572045. ↩
6. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Light of the World: Selected Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’í World Center, 2021. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/light-of-the-world/6#253499076. ↩
7. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 92. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/4#086530661. ↩
8. Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 12-13. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.