Looking into Nature
Think with me for a moment about all that we can learn by looking into nature. Through nature God paints a picture of life and death, power and eternity. There is design and destiny that is being laid out as a master plan for all to see. In nature we see the miraculous as life springs from life; we stand in awe of the power of the oceans and the imposing nature of their tides. We stand at the feet of volcanoes and tremble as the very heart of the earth roars. We feel helpless in the mighty storms that irreverently bring indifferent havoc and we can but look into the stars and wonder. In the course of a day we might simply feel the peace of a gentle breeze or we might find refreshment in delicious fruit.
At times we might even consider the harvest or the wonder of the seasons as the beauty of spring flourishes all around. We, on occasion, might philosophically gaze at the withering body of the aged as winter changes the face of all around us with the steady, unstoppable drumbeat of purpose that is almost beyond our comprehension while the sounds of children innocently playing echo in the distance.
In the presence of such wonder and power we might become aware of the shadow of the all powerful God who laid this all into being with but a whisper. Nature is passionately beautiful; it is brutal and it is final; it is as relentless as it is purposed and God has chosen to reveal a part of himself to us through it.
Looking into the laws of nature can reveal to us universal truths about God, about ourselves and the way we interact with each other. These divine edicts have been left there like a celestial finger prints designed to be discovered and understood.
In nature we learn about social dynamics as well as discover the secrets of harmony. Make no mistake, God did this for a reason and his reason always carries eternal realities. What wonder is contained in the life that is all around us! God in His wisdom is helping us to both discover and to be who He created us to be as a people, as a kingdom.
Looking into to nature is like reading the Bible. In the Bible we see a picture of God and we begin to see a picture of ourselves. This image begins to unlock the mysteries of our desires and it even unlocks the motives and intentions of our own heart if we will allow ourselves to see.
Heb 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
NLT
