S150P4 – This precious Earth: a sign to all
Rom. 1:18-20
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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. So they are without excuse.
When Mr. Wonka opened the door and showed them the first room of the chocolate factory tour, they were speechless. What they saw before them was a world beyond their imagination. Their amazement came from the fact that they could not believe what they were seeing. These creations were not only unexpected but obviously were the design of a great and unique mind much different than theirs. As they went on their tour, they had question after question. They had to rely on Mr. Wonka to explain what they were seeing and experiencing. He was the creator and the authority in that place. Yet, even if they never had met him, it would have been clear to them that someone had made that place what it was.
A common question designed to paint Christians in a corner when defending their faith is how Jesus can be the only way when people could live and die without ever hearing his name or reading the Bible. This is posed as a question of fairness. If Jesus is the only way, then all people must be given the same fair opportunity to accept him. Yet, this passage tells us that what we see on Earth is sufficient for no one to have an excuse. This is bolstered by the fact that the door will be opened to all who knock. [Mt. 6:7-11] Each one who genuinely seeks the Lord will find him, and the creation around us is enough to prompt us to go on that search. Even for those who cannot see or cannot hear, they still can experience what God has created and be drawn to him.
For as long as this planet has been studied by man, that study has been used to try to disprove our creator God. His word, however, tells us that studying this creation should lead us to its creator. His fingerprint is all over it. What we find in this world is more than enough proof of who and what the Lord is. The question is whether those doing the studying are really searching for him. If they are not, their conclusions will lead them anywhere else. The proof of that brand of narcissism and foolishness is evident in those who have decided that God is not enough of an explanation. Father, thank You for this creation that proves You as the creator and gives us even a small glimpse into the wonders of your imagination.