Creation

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THE HEAVENS AND EARTH BELONG TO GOD

(Psalm 121 1&2) I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, The maker of heaven and earth.

The Bible begins with the Words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Now, if I don’t believe this, what good is the Bible to me?  The very premise of the Bible is that God created all that exists in the physical world, and therefore, creation is His.  I believe that the initial statement of the Bible is true, so I can trust that the rest of the Bible is true and trustworthy.

From the very beginning, we his created ones, have worked to deny God his right to his creation. We have created false gods and worked to eliminate God by saying that he doesn’t exist.  At the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden He made for them.  Direct fellowship with mankind ended when they rebelled against Him.  God separated Himself, because He cannot tolerate the presence of sin.  The human rejection of God left us on our own.  We did not repent of our disobedience. Instead, we began to embrace evil by murdering, stealing, and lying to each other.

 However, God did not abandon us; Because of his great loves for us, He planned for our redemption:

 (1John 4:9&10) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

I believe that God created the heavens and the earth; it belongs to Him, and the Bible tells the true story of how He has dealt with His creation.  The sad part of the story is how utterly hard we have worked to destroy each other and His creation.  Considering how patient God has been with us, I believe he deserves our devotion to His plan for our redemption. We His children have the opportunity through our gratitude, praise, and worship to recognize God’s rightful place as our creator.

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MAN BEFORE HIS CREATOR

(Job 38:1-7) Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.  He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?  Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” 

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know!  Who stretched a measuring line across it?  On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”

The story of Job provides us with insight into mankind’s relationship with his creator.  Job suffered great loss including his children, wealth and health.  In his suffering he questioned why God would allow him to suffer all these great tragedies. The Lord responded by questioning Job. He continued for four chapters questioning Job about the different parts of creation. He was illuminating information about creation to which Job had no knowledge.  God the creator was clarifying for his created one the obvious difference between them. 

For Job, the tragedy and suffering he experienced at the hand of God was extreme, but it was a time of testing that God knew Job would faithfully endure.  Through his difficulties, Job grew in his understanding of God’s sovereignty over his creation.

After his testing, Job responded to God’s questioning with these words: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.   You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’  Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”

Job faithfully endured his time of testing. He did not turn his back on God, and God rewarded him with even greater success then he had before.  It’s a prodigious story that helps us remember who God is and who we are.  He is all powerful, and we are not.  He is our loving Father who cares for us, and though he trains us through times of trouble, in the end, we have a great reward if we remain faithful.

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FEARING GOD

(Proverbs 9:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

In the last 60-70 years, our society has worked to limit the reality of punishment.  What was at one time considered good parenting by correcting our children with a spanking, is today called child abuse.  Criminals often get away with minimal consequences for their crimes. The obvious outcome has been that there is a greatly diminished fear of those in authority.  Though we are sinners in need of a savior, It would seem that we are trying to avoid the reality of eventual punishment for our sins. 

(Psalm 33:18) But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Recognizing the unlimited power and authority of the God of creation is wisdom.  Fearing him leads us to a desire for the knowledge of him and his righteousness.  That desire causes us to avoid those things that anger him.  When we surrender ourselves to his will, we arrive at the humble place where a loving relationship with him can begin.  We can then confidently put our hope in his unfailing love.

Those of us who learn to fear God begin a father-child relationship with him that involves discipline.  His discipline is always for our good (see Hebrews chapter 12). God is molding us into the beings he created us to be.  His discipline is always purposed for bringing us closer to the righteousness he desires for us. 

God built fear into our psychic; fear can be a healthy way of protecting us. Fearing God is a healthy fear, for it leads to an eternal relationship with him.

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JESUS’ UNLIMITED POWER AND FULL AUTHORITY

(Colossians 1:17) The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For in him all things were created: Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

I used to read the above scripture to my high school students, and then I’d share, “You know scientists are still not sure what keeps an atom together.  What if Jesus holds all the atoms together?  As you know, atoms are the building blocks of all material things, including us. If Jesus holds all things together, what will happen if he lets go?”  The purpose of this questioning was to start a discussion on the unlimited power of God.

In these words from Colossians, The Apostle Paul tells us that the Son, Jesus, has all authority over creation. Everything that we know was created through him and for him.  The Bible gives us many stories of how Jesus intervened in creation.  He wasn’t just showing off his powers.  He was demonstrating his supernatural powers for the ultimate goal of redeeming us.

I just finished reading the story of Ananias and Sapphira at the beginning of Acts chapter five.  At a critical time in the birthing of the church, Jesus demonstrated his power by striking them dead for lying to the Holy Spirit.  As we read in verse eleven, the results were to cause great fear in the whole church. Jesus obviously deemed this necessary.  He has full authority to give life and to take life. His decisions are perfect; We can’t explain everything Jesus does, but we can trust him in all things.

  We talk about Jesus’ kindness, love and care for us but often forget his sovereignty. Creation is his, and he can do with it whatever he deems necessary. Who can know the mind of the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 2:16)?  He is patient, but we should never take him for granted.  He has unlimited power and full authority over creation.  A little healthy fear seems warranted. 

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CONSIDER THE KINDNESS AND STERNNESS OF GOD

(Psalm 91:14-16) “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

(Romans 11:22) Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God…

The Apostle Paul challenges us with these words,“Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God…” the verses from Psalm 91 show us that for those who love the Lord and acknowledge his name there is kindness.  The opposite is therefore true that for those who reject the Lord and deny his existence there is sternness.  

Why do Christians talk about a new life in Christ Jesus?  The answer is because we have entered God’s kindness.  God has rescued us, protected us, answered our prayers, been with us in times of trouble, and shown us his salvation.  The writer of Psalm 91 received God’s kindness because he had acknowledged the name of the Lord and had come to love the Lord his God.

The sternness of God is reserved for those who reject God.  His sternness has been demonstrated from the beginning.  The flood is a good example.  In response to rampant evil, God wiped out all but eight of mankind. As we contemplate this, it is good to remember that Creation belongs to God, and he will deal with it according to what is necessary to bring about his final plan for his creation.   

We have each been given the opportunity to receive God’s kindness. First, we come to believe that God exists, and, as we seek him, he builds a relationship with us.  Jesus made the way for all to enter this glorious relationship with our creator.  God’s desire is that we would all come to him.  He would much rather show us his kindness than his sternness.

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WHAT HAS GOD DONE ABOUT MANKIND’S REBELLION? 

(Romans 1:18-21) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

The Apostle Paul gives a clear description of what has brought about the fallen state of God’s creation.  It is quite simple; mankind has turned their backs to their creator.  We were created to be with God.  God created us to share with him and to live in his righteousness. Without God we now live in a world full of evil. Not only did mankind turn their backs to God, but they created false god substitutes.  And in our current depravity, we have created vast theories to deny God’s existence.

What has God done about mankind’s rebellion?  Well, since the beginning he has called for us to return to him, and out of his great love for us, when the time was right, he sent his Son to show us how to live a righteous life.  As a clear demonstration of his love for us, Jesus, God the Son, having no sin, took upon himself all the sins that mankind has committed throughout the ages, and suffered death on the cross to pay the price for all those sins.  Jesus covered our unrighteous acts so that we could be free to return to a right relationship with our God. 

The rampant evil acts that daily occur here on planet earth are the result of mankind’s rebellion against our creator. Paul explains the results of this rebellion, “but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

To the very end, many of mankind will continue to defy God.  I have been studying the book of Revelation; it is amazing the terrible destruction that God’s judgement will bring upon the earth, yet, in the midst of this destruction, many will refuse to repent.

 God, with great sacrifice, has prepared a way that we can enter the love and wonders that he has always wanted for his created ones.  If we let his light shine in our hearts, the darkness will flee, and our thinking will become clear.  This has always been God’s desire.

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JESUS DOES NOT CHANGE

(Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I own a cell phone that is frequently updated.  Every time an update occurs, I must learn new stuff.  This usually includes finding a new way to operate existing apps.  I was content with the previous way they operated.  Constantly changing the cell phone, which I use for so many things every day, is annoying.  I’m very glad that my Lord and Savior doesn’t change.

The Apostle John tells us in the first chapter of his gospel that Jesus is the Word of God, and that through him all of creation was spoken into existence. Jesus has been unchanging from the very beginning. 

 John also tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  While Jesus was here in the flesh, he taught us how to live godly lives.  Those teachings are as relevant two thousand years later, as they were when he spoke them.  They have not changed. 

The truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the salvation that he paid so dearly for, are the eternal good news that will never change.  The fact that Jesus never changes is a great comfort for those of us who love him.

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SEEK THE LORD ALWAYS

(1Chronicals 16:9-11) Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.  Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

  I last wrote about seeking God initially, to find him, and discover that he rewards those who genuinely seek him, but that is just the beginning.  When we find God, he leads us to his Son, and there we find the salvation he has provided through Jesus. As soon as we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are ushered into the eternal family of God, and we are sealed with his Holy Spirit. Through Bible study and fellowship with other believers we grow in our relationship with our new family, and the most important relationship is now the growing interaction with our Heavenly Father.

Seeking God is a continual activity.  Once we find him, we discover that he is always with us.  We no longer live our lives alone.  He is the ultimate source of love, wisdom and peace. The more we seek him the closer we become to being like him, He is the one who created us in his likeness, and we find the deep riches of his love for us.

Life doesn’t become perfect as we walk with the Lord here on earth, because we live in a fallen, imperfect world.  The real comfort is knowing we are not alone.  We have the promise of a great never-ending life ahead of us, and that is our hope; We look forward to an eternal future never again to be tainted by sin. 

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

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THE BEST POSSIBLE ROAD TO TAKE

(John 3:16&17) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

We have just celebrated the birth of Jesus. This is the beginning of the greatest event that has ever occurred on the earth.  John clarifies for us just what happened on that night when Mary gave birth to a son in the town of Bethlehem.  God gave his one and only Son to save the world.  Why would God do this?  Because he so loved the world.  And who can receive this saving grace?  Whoever believes in Jesus the Son. 

Our creator has offered us an open invitation to reconcile with him and spend eternity with him in a perfectly sin free new world.  What can possibly stand in the way of us jumping at this invitation?  I like to be reminded of these words from Proverbs 3:5&6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  A relationship with God doesn’t depend on our ability to figure out God; it depends on our ability to believe that he exists.  We call this faith. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  The writer of Hebrews continues in verse 6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  God is inviting us to receive the greatest gift ever offered, eternal life. We waste our time seeking everything that in the long run has no eternal significance. In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus said, So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The promise found in God’s Son is not only for eternity.  It is even for right now.  When we put our faith in God our Father and believe in Jesus as our savior, we begin a new life.  Considering what is offered and how much can be lost; Think about it, seeking God seems to be the best possible road to take.

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THE MYSTERY REVEALED

(1 Corinthians 2:9&10) However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love him – these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

In these verses, the Apostle Paul refers to the great mystery that had been hidden from the beginning of time and now revealed by his Spirit.  The advent of Jesus the Christ is the beginning of this great reveal.  God in his wisdom, that is far beyond what we can conceive, has always had a plan for our redemption. A baby, born to a common family, lying in a manger made for feeding animals, is the beginning of this astonishing miracle.  Jesus came that we might have new life, eternal life.

The great love of our Creator did not allow him to abandon us.  He would give his one and only son unto a torturous death, allowing him to take on the sins of the whole world.  But Jesus did not Just come and go; he grew up like a regular human child, and he spent his adult years teaching us a new way to live. For those of us who have received him, we have been given new life guided by the infilling of his Holy Spirit.

Christmas is a celebration of the reveal. A mystery that was long hidden until the time was ready for its release.  We are all given invitations to what God’s love accomplished for us in his redemption plan.  Don’t miss out! Receive this great gift that our creator has offered us and join in on the everlasting celebration!