Wetlands Reflecting Grace: A Devotional
The ecological cleansing power of wetlands gives a picture of God's grace in our lives.
Wetlands are areas of saturated soil that are hosts to specific species of plants and animals. Because of their fragile structure and their relationship with some endangered species, governments often have laws in place that protect these important land features. Usually, such laws do not allow for the development of buildings or other human-made structures in or adjacent to wetlands. Often, hiking trails and parks are built around wetlands because the land is already set aside.
The plants and soil configuration of wetlands naturally filter out pollution. In fact, wetlands are often called the livers of nature. It’s amazing that God uses nature to heal itself through the power of water. Of course, water plays an important role in the Bible as well, often being used as a metaphor rich with meaning. From the cleansing flood during Noah’s time to the life-giving water that Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the well, water represents purification, renewal, and life. Baptism is also a powerful symbol of being cleansed from sin and rising to new life in Christ.
From the cleansing flood during Noah’s time to the life-giving water that Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the well, water represents purification, renewal, and life.
Historically, cultures have treated wetlands in different ways. Ancient Mayans of Central America actually built wetlands and used them to store water in anticipation of droughts. Conversely, European settlers in North America drained wetlands to make way for cropland and development. (I am from Ohio and am most familiar with the draining of the Great Black Swamp in northwest Ohio, which is now mostly farmland.) Frequently, these communities later regret their actions of so vastly altering the landscape because wetlands can help communities with flood control, carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity. As already mentioned, wetlands are now protected and communities can no longer remove wetlands without mitigation efforts.
Restoration and Redemption
I used to work in mineland restoration, where we restored life to a formerly orange, acidic stream polluted by acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines. I worked with state and federal government agencies and a dedicated citizens’ group to find grants and conduct environmental education (because the kids in the area thought orange streams were normal!). Because of our efforts, I’m happy to report that many species of fish returned to sections of the stream that were before considered to be dead. Our restoration projects usually buried coal that was left exposed during historic strip mining. We also built many projects that passively treated the water. Those projects involved installing wetlands to filter out the metals leached from exposed coal that are toxic to aquatic life. These restorative waters that helped remove pollution are a beautiful analogy to the redemptive work of Jesus in our lives. He cleanses our sins and brings about healing and restoration. Just as wetlands purify water, so Jesus makes us pure, taking away our sins.
After a selfless life devoted to ministry, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to restore our relationship to Himself. Formerly, followers of God had to sacrifice animals at the temple to atone for their wrongdoings. Jesus did away with this need by spilling his own blood and becoming the final required sacrifice for all his followers on that day and all of us in the future. Through this act, he paid our ticket into heaven. Our unclean deeds have been purified.
Beyond cleansing us of our sins, Jesus also brought about restoration and healing. We are righteous because of his redemptive work and don’t need to feel shame for our sins. Similarly, wetlands not only cleanse water but they are also important habitats and ecosystems. Their shallow waters act as nurseries for fish, aquatic insects, water-loving birds, and more. They are also often a migration-stopping point for many birds. Plants that are considered hydrophytic grow in low-oxygen conditions caused by prolonged saturation or flooding and so thrive in wetlands. I’m sure you’re familiar with cattails, an example of a hydrophytic plant that is often used as an indicator of the presence of wetlands. Wetlands help new life start and create areas for some plants and animals to thrive that could not otherwise. In the same way, Jesus nurtures us and fills us with new life.
Dear Lord, thank you for the beauty and lessons we find in nature. Your creation is so intricate, and we are amazed that wetlands can purify polluted water. We can never thank you enough for the redemption and outpouring of love that we have through Jesus Christ. Thank you for sending Him to earth to pay for our sins and restore our relationship with you. Amen.
This article has been adapted with permission from a devotion entry in Strength for My Path: 52 Devotions from the Hiking Trail by Maureen E. Wise, published by BroadStreet Publishing in August 2024.
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