Call To Nature
Genesis 1:1-3 NIV:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
At the writing of this devotion, I’m sitting at my lake home, outside, waiting on the rain expected in just an hour or less. What makes me desire time in such a remote spot? God’s creation is my answer. My scientific mind longs to seek out the beauty of what is God’s handiwork; the woods, the animals, the lake, and the sky. This morning the sunrise, though fleeting quickly, was a burnt sienna color; rare and beautiful and it reminds me of the biblical passage “in the beginning...let there be light.”
There is a lot to absorb in these verses above. God’s characteristics are so obvious and profound. God is creator of all things, matter (earth), waters, heavens, and light. He created with intention, like an artist signing their painting. He brings structure from chaos, light from darkness and life from emptiness; He is powerful. But He also brings beauty and meaning into life, He brings attention to detail. Just look at a snowflake in its detail, or the rain and its purpose. It is not without cause that I enjoy this morning of burnt sienna skies, snow and rain…it’s a daily invitation by God to pause and recognize His presence and creativity! Creation is not an evolutionary accident. We are intentionally crafted beings, made to reflect our Creator’s image.
But perhaps most remarkable is that God didn’t just create and step back, He remains actively involved in sustaining His creation. He maintains the seasons, provides for the animals, feels the pains when his created falls. He created us in his image so that we could experience these wondrous events, every day. Our craftsmanship has a purpose; to behold what we see, to pause long enough to notice, to wonder, and to worship. We see with our eyes, we feel with our hands, we contemplate with our minds an invisible creator.
But there is another crucial aspect of creation: Christ’s role as the eternal light. This understanding is critical to see the trinity at creation. Going back to these verses we see that there was God, the spirit of God hovering, and in the last verse above, the light. But notice when this light is conceived; it was before the sun, moon and stars. This was not a physical light as we think of as ordinary nature, this was something else, something supernatural. Yep, I used the word, supernatural. God, the Holy Spirit, and the Light are “not natural”, the trinity is beyond our comprehension. Jesus tells us He is this supernatural light and that through him all creation will no longer walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12). So as the sienna light shines at this moment, I see Jesus in that thought. The ability to know He is there and through him he will help me face the day with confidence and a hope of the future. Do you commune with nature? Do you find refuge and peace within? Don’t miss out!
Prayer
God you are worthy and all glory and honor are due, for you created all things and by your hand all things have their purpose. Thank you for giving me your image so that I may see the beauty you have placed before me. Thank you for being present in all that I do. Thank you for giving me wisdom that I remember your council from your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Karen Horton
