March 19, 2010

Evidence of God

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… Romans 1:19-20

Through the ages, mankind has sought to gain an understanding of God. That search has led us in many different directions, yet the Holy Scriptures tell us that the power and nature of God is clearly revealed in His creation. Numerous references are made to nature throughout the Bible from the first few verses in Genesis to the parables of Jesus. Modern man has developed complex scientific techniques with which to unlock many secrets of nature, yet the more we know the more we realize that we do not know.

Consider the tremendous flight capabilities of birds such as the peregrine falcon. This bird is only slightly larger than a crow, yet is able to reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in controlled flight during descents from high altitudes in pursuit of prey. Other birds such as eagles can soar effortlessly on air currents while in search of food. How do birds learn to fly and soar? It is not through education and training as with humans, but rather through their instincts that they know when and how to leave the nest and begin flying. I like to think of their instincts as God’s programming that is exquisitely placed in their small brains for use when needed.

Another example from nature is the miraculous story of the Monarch butterfly. This beautiful creature seems so weak and fragile to us; yet, a careful study shows us just how strong and durable it is. We see Monarch butterflies in the spring and summer and marvel at their beauty as they go from flower to flower in our yards gathering nectar. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly species performs a migration of over 2,500 miles during its life-cycle? Most butterflies reproduce and die in two to six weeks. Once every four generations, some Monarch butterflies hatch in Canada, make their way through our area in Michigan, cross the United States into Mexico and spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico. The journey takes many months during which the butterflies navigate across many different types of terrain, find food for sustenance, endure bad weather, avoid predators and time it all so that they arrive in central Mexico before the oncoming winter makes it too cold to survive. This fourth generation lives six to eight months before producing the next generation which starts the northern migration to their original homes. Not bad for a small creature that weighs just one fifth of an ounce!

We serve an awesome God. As we are shown repeatedly through examples in nature, God is all powerful and able to give us everything we need for an abundant, fruitful life. All we have to do is to acknowledge Him and to trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your miraculous creation on earth through which we can gain insight into Your power and divine nature. Help us to always remember that just as you take care of the creatures in nature, you are more than capable of taking care of us through our journey of life. Amen

Let us worship our Creator God, as we seek to know more of Him through His creation.

Mitchell Kent