This has been weighing on my mind a lot lately, for what does creation as we understand it really mean?
Let's start at the Universe as we know it, for surely God created it and simply everthing in it. The millions and perhaps bilions of galaxies that contain an immeasurable number of stars, planets and moons. But let's narrow the scope down a little and focus on our Earth. A question must be asked and answered before I continue. For whom did he create the Earth? He created it for us, no question about it. The Earth is for us.
Gen 1:26-28
- 26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
- 27 - So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
- 28 - And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
But God gave us far more than a bunch of animals and fish. We must never forget that he gave us our senses; most of us can see, hear, smell, taste, touch, hearts to feel and a brain to discern. Sadly, I think these awesome gifts are often lost as such and viewed as nothing but necessities in order to get us by. But what does seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and thinking really allow us to do?
Well those of us who can see are able to gaze into a star filled night. We can see beauty in all of creation, from majestic mountain ranges, gorgeous valley's, forests, storm clouds, rolling hills, etc. Animals, fish oand plants of all shapes, sizes and colors. We can even see inside a seemingly invisible living cell and marvel at the complexity but magnificent design complete with its own DNA string and components that allow it to split and mulitply, on and on and on. Sounds abound everywhere, from the sounds of children at play, laughter, crashing thunder, birds singing, etc. We are given the same amount of aromas, like flowers, fresh brewed coffee
hot bread, freshly cut hay and turned over soil.
The list is of course endless, because each of us has the special sight, sound, taste that triggers emotions that thrill our very being. Why did God go to all this trouble? Surely we do not need an appreciation for our senses in order to exist. Who needs a myriad of colors, sights, sounds, etc? What benefit are they to us?
Rom 1:20 - For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[/color] [/b]
This is in my mind one of the most inspiring verses in the entire Scriptures. So what benefit are our senses? The answer is clear. So that from creation, including the sights, sounds, tastes, feelings, thoughts that we know God and all of his qualities. Through his creation we can see him clearly and we are without excuse.
But what is it we see. Is it an all powerful God, a God that cares little for our physical being; who instead indifferently awaits our spiritual calling.
So why did God put Roses, butterflies, spots on leopards, dew on leaves and a twinkle in an eye and a warm smile that gives us goose bumps when ever we see it? Because he loves us! He loves us so much that he has given us all the tools to fully enjoy our life here on Earth, even those who do not believe can enjoy the added extras of creation. He does not want us to merely exist, but to be exicted every single day, knowing that he is God and he did all of this for us.
We know he loves us for he is love. He is the Apha and the Omega and all things exist in him. He made it all so that we can know him for who he truly is; he made it so clearly that men are without excuse for not seeing the love of our God and not loving others the same.
1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[/color] [/b]
I sometimes feel that God's real message for us is lost in theological debate. I believe the baseline has been set and that brother Ray understands it fully. Scripture must align with the qualities of God that are seen in creation. Why would a God who gives us everything, would burn unbelievers in hell forever?
Well sorry for rambling, but I wanted to share this and see what you all think.
Love in Christ,
Darren