Here is a math trick for you. Pick any number. Add the next higher number to it. Add 9 and divide by 2. Now subtract the original number. The answer will always be 5. If you approach someone and tell them to pick any number and not tell you what it is, and then you walk them through these steps, they will be pretty amazed when you say, “The number you have left is….5.”
We have in nature a mathematical pattern called Fibonacci’s Flowers and it is way more amazing than that simple math trick. In fact, it is mind-blowing to see God’s hand in the making of each and every flower. Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician in the 13th Century who discovered that the spiral arrangement of each and every flower follows a mathematical pattern. The spiral arrangement of leaves on a stem AND the number of petals, sepals and spirals in flower heads (during development) are patterned after the following: Each number is the sum of the previous two. So, if the inner circle of a flower has 3 petals and the next 5, the third spiral will have 8 (3 + 5) and the next 13 (8 + 5) and the next 21 (13 + 8) and so on. Each and every flower, blossom and bud follow this unique design and plan defined by Fibonacci’s number. If you pick up any flower in nature, the pattern of the leaves or petals or sepals will fit. Each row is a sum of the previous two. Wow! We look at the colours, variety, creativity and beauty, and yet that is only the tip of the iceberg. God has a unique and logical sequence to the pattern in every single leaf and petal.
Now consider this. Luke 12:27, 28 “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”
God designed a flower to follow a specific pattern, and regardless of its shape, size or colour, all flowers and leaves fit this specific plan. And that is for flowers of the field that will be picked and will wither and die. Even the most beautiful arrangement of flowers will eventually end up on the compost pile. But not so YOU! You are the crown of His creation! You are more beautiful that the lilies of the field and are of much more value and worth than many sparrows. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14-16 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were designed with much greater care than the mathematical precision of a flower. YOU were made for great things. YOU were known before one of your days came to be.
Next time you go on a walk, pick a flower, check out Fibonacci’s number, and as you marvel at its little mathematical trick smile and remind yourself, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” For indeed, you are! You ARE His greatest work!
Our song for today is Crazy About You by Tauren Wells