The Artist

From my earliest memories, I have always been drawn to nature. The whispers of the wind would lead me on grand adventures alongside the gently flowing creek, just behind our home. I could not resist the call of the dancing trees that demanded to be climbed. I was easily lost in the sea of stars that overtook the velvet night sky. I was mesmerized by the perfection of both the dawning and setting sun. For as long as I can remember, God has wooed me with His finest work – His creation, His whispers in the wind; His majesty in the mountains; His power in the rushing rivers, His glory in the beaming sun. His existence was and is undeniable. Still, the revelation of God in creation is not sufficient for us to know Him, but it should plant a desire in us to seek to know the Creator in fullness.

I read that Earth Day, April 22nd, is the only event celebrated, simultaneously, around the world by people of all backgrounds, faiths, and nationalities – and how could you not celebrate such an amazing creation? The absolute precision that is necessary to hold and sustain life has yet to be replicated anywhere else in the universe. A new study, by Astrophysicist Erik Zackrisson, from Uppsala University in Sweden, suggests that there are around 700 quintillion planets in the universe (That is a 7 followed by 20 zeros), but only one like Earth – only one that has been found to hold and sustain life; that my dear friends, is no coincidence, it is an act of a Sovereign God.

Though we will celebrate Earth day together, with 192 other countries – many will not recognize the Creator, only the creation; many will celebrate the art, yet deny the hand of the artist, and many will worship the earth and its elements, but not the God who breathed life into it. This comes as no surprise to God:

“ ‘19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 Forever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God’ (Romans 1: 19-20 NLT).”

Many unbelievers accuse God of being unfair and not accessible to all the earth, suggesting that there is no way that every person on earth could ever know Him; thus, many would go to Hell. This verse, however, indicates otherwise. This verse alone, suggests that the Earth reveals God’s existence without any barriers. There are no geographic barriers that withhold anyone from experiencing the revelation of God in creation – His Shekinah Glory is everywhere. There is also no language barrier, all people, of every language; are able to comprehend his divine nature through the use of their senses. God has made Himself readily available and abundantly accessible through creation and the work of his Holy Spirit, those who seek Him, will find him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Today, as we celebrate Earth Day, let us celebrate and give thanks to the God who made it! The Earth itself sings the praises of the Lord, may we do the same.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.’’ (NLT Psalm 19: 1-4)”

Lord, thank you for this beautiful world we call home. Thank you for the beautiful backdrop of life and the bounty your land provides. Help us to celebrate You today, by sharing your light and your love with others. May the world be drawn to you through the world around them, and as you woo them, please prepare someone to bring them the Gospel message. We love you, Daddy! Amen.

XOXO