A Visible Revelation

Romans 1:18-20

Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. (Romans 1:20)

CHARLES DARWIN WAS CAUGHT between two competing beliefs: (1) that nature seems randomly filled with cruelty and pain and (2) that the brute forces of nature alone could not account for the intricacies of its design. He fluctuated between these two beliefs—randomness versus design—for much of his career, claiming at most points to be agnostic about them. Even in light of his theories, he had trouble conceiving of such order coming out of pure chance.

We are told that the world is in a fallen condition, a distorted picture of what it once was. Science cannot explore such theological claims, nor can it marvel over the artistry of the Creator, but it can make observations about the order and complexities of life. These are still an unsolvable mystery to all but those with eyes of faith. They defy the natural processes we observe today. They point to an intelligence from outside the natural world.

Paul did not write about nature as poetically as the psalmists did, but he did point clearly to the purpose of God embedded in this world. However much God’s creativity is displayed for our admiration, it is given for another reason too: to reveal who he is. He wants us to get a glimpse of his personality. For the same reason we were created in his image, we are given eyes to see his handiwork. He wants to be known.

Paul argues that the rebellious human race has glimpsed the glory of God and has been casual about it. What should have sent us in search of the Creator—the beauty and design of nature, the stunning miracle of a newborn, the joy of simple pleasures—became instead an idol or even just a happy accident. We have to learn to see the world in a new way. More than that, we have to help others see it too. Yes, it is a fallen world, full of imperfections, but it’s also a shadow of things to come. Most people don’t want to leave the Creator’s beauty behind. Remind them they don’t have to.

{Lord, the beauty of this age pales in comparison to what you have in store for those who love you. May I live with that anticipation always, and may it provoke the imagination of those around me and point them to you. Amen.