Listen to Audio Devotion

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

On the day of Easter, when asked to pick songs for the worship deck, I was reminded of the song, “All heaven declares, the glory of the risen Lord. Who can compare, with the beauty of the Lord.”

We didn’t end up singing it, but it resonates well with what we’re looking at today. Nature. The Psalms are filled with praises about the glory of God revealed in His creation.

Bonaventure, a well-known Italian Bishop of the 13th Century comments, “In order that we may be able to extol and glorify God, and in order that we may advance to the knowledge of God, we must transfer to the divine that which pertains to the creature . . .” He goes on to say that the elements of nature, the living creatures, and their characteristics are also a source to help us understand God even better.

Let’s look at multiple examples,

• the lion possesses fortitude (courage and patience shown by somebody who is suffering great pain or facing great difficulties);
• the lamb, meekness, humility.

Philippians 2:8 captures the emotion best.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

God humbled himself to die a death on the cross, an act of complete humiliation. It was the slaughter of the lamb without blemish, the sinless man;

• the rock – not Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson; he’s going to perish in a few years. We speaking of Christ the eternal Rock. The solid rock upon whom we stand; Jesus our firm foundation upon whom we build our life.
• the serpent, the dove. Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” In a single passage, there are 4 creatures, 3 of which reflect God’s character.

As you read the word, you’ll find many more of these things. Many people have found nature so beautiful that some even worship nature as a god. You don’t have to look too far to find these people. It’s straight-up idolatry. But we know the difference between the creation and the Creator.

The universe is a grand display of the beauty of God. We’re so locked into our phones, so occupied with the things around that sometimes we miss the natural revelation of God around us every day. God primarily speaks to us through His word, there’s no denying that. But today let’s praise Him by looking at His intelligent handiwork – the clouds, it’s patterns, it’s colours; the wind breeze; the dried leaves and the sound it creates when you crush it; the gravity pulling you down when you jump; the uniqueness of each person. Get lost in awe of what He has done.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, You are the beautiful One whom we adore. We thank you for allowing us to share this space with You. Help us to not take it for granted, but praise You with a heart of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Suggested reading: Romans 1:18-32