31 Aug A Glimpse of God

We take a lot of things for granted, perhaps no more than the sun. That’s right, the sun. Sure, you complain when it goes missing behind the clouds or when you get too much of it. But when was the last time you marveled at it? All of this came to mind recently when Ramona and I vacationed in Door County and were treated to a spectacular sunset (pictured above) Here are just a few things about the sun you likely have never consciously considered:

• The sun is 93 million miles away yet we can see it! In fact, it is so bright that it is dangerous to view with the naked eye.
• It can be felt from that distance. You can feel the heat of something 93 million miles away!
• It and the earth are positioned at exactly the right distance and angle to sustain life here.

Now, if that isn’t enough to boggle your mind, consider what a perfect metaphor the sun is for God:

•             Out of reach yet omnipresent

•             There even when we can’t see it or its effect on us

•             We are easily lost without it

•             There is only one

•             We often take it for granted

Perhaps all of that explains why so many ancient cultures worshiped the sun. It also helps explain what the Apostle Paul meant in Romans 1:

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)

People cannot be condemned for rejecting a Savior they never heard of. Paul is saying they can be condemned for ignoring what they could (and should) know about God through His creation. Creation begs a Creator. All that you see is carefully designed to point to God.

This is also driven home in  the Book of Job:

7“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; 8 or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. 9 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-9 (ESV)

No, God’s creation isn’t God Himself, as some argue.  But it reveals much to us about Him. So, never confuse creation for the Creator. On the other hand, also never miss an opportunity to feel closer to God by catching a glimpse of Him in His creation. I pray that after reading this you that you never look at the sun the same way again.

Pastor Jerry Bader