Nature’s Revelation
By
Susan Klein
“The
heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day
after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.”
Psalm
19:1-4 (NIV)
Who doesn’t enjoy watching the sky fill with blazing oranges
and brilliant pinks as the sun sets on a warm summer night? Or driving through the
countryside in the fall with a palette of colors splayed across the trees? God
definitely delights our senses through His creation. But, have you ever stopped
to ponder what He is saying through His creation? The above verse, as well as
others in Scripture, allude to the fact that He speaks to us - - not only
through His Word - - but also through His creation. While admiring its beauty,
we should also consider its message.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas are trying to lead a group of
misguided people away from their idols to the One True God by using nature as
an illustration. Paul states, “He has not left himself without testimony: He
has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their season…” (verse
17, NIV) How often do we look at a rainy day as just a spoiler of our
outdoor plans? Yet, God is speaking his kindness and compassion by providing
the rain for the crops so we don’t go hungry. Conversely, at times, He has
withheld rain and caused drought when He is speaking His displeasure with His
people.
In Romans 1, Paul informs us that God has made many things
about Himself plainly known through His creation, but some just don’t see it or
aren’t listening. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible
qualities - - His eternal power and His divine nature - - have been clearly
seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.”
(verse
20, NIV) How easy it is to get caught up in just enjoying His creation for
our own personal pleasure. But God has valuable truths to reveal to us through
His creation, if we are willing to listen.
Next time you admire that vibrant rainbow in the sky, ponder
what God is speaking to you about His promises. When you gaze at those majestic
mountaintops, listen for His voice to reveal His mighty power in your own life.
When you hear of a tsunami or tornadoes that ravage towns and villages, ask God
what He might be trying to convey through the devastation. He is faithful to
answer. “He does not leave Himself without testimony.”
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Read the verses below to see how God has spoken through His creation in the
past.
2. Determine to seek His voice as you observe His
creation in the future.
FURTHER READING:
Susan is married to Mark,
and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and
tutoring with the Literacy Council.
