The wonders of creation

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1: 16 – 17

Science is not one of my strongest subjects. I have difficulty with chemistry and all those elements, atoms and molecules. I can’t make much sense of it though I do not doubt its existence or who created it all.

The universe is an awesome place full of magnificent galaxies, star systems, nebula, worms, planets, moons, comets, meteors and goodness knows what else. I can’t make much sense of all that either and though I have never seen it I do not doubt its existence given the incredible photos the scientists produce and knowing who created it all.

There are scientists who understand these things very well, as much as any man can and some of them also are convinced who created it all. John O’Keefe an astronomer at NASA says, ‘We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of people….. If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the Universe was created for man to live in.’

How amazing is that?

Various scientists are also convinced of this. They say that the relationship between sun and Earth is perfect for all creation to live and flourish here. The atmosphere of Earth is also perfect for life here. Apparently there are about two dozen parameters of the universe that if altered even a tiny bit would prevent life on Earth from existing.

For those of us who believe that God is the Creator of all of this, it comes as no surprise.  Nevertheless it is mind-blowing. It is all so vast and incredible but that is our God.

Jesus too showed us that he is Lord over creation. He altered the molecules of water to turn it into wine, he commanded the wind and waves to be still, he altered the law of gravity to walk on water and he conquered death by not only commanding Lazarus and others to rise up and live but by doing so himself. This is our God.

In the midst of our trials and difficulties we have a God of incredible love and kindness who can speak into our circumstances and command them to be still, to change, to be healed. If Jesus could tell Peter to go and catch a fish and take a coin out of its mouth which was the exactly the right amount to pay the temple tax, I think he might be able to help us in our financial difficulties!

I love what John O’Keefe says that we are a ‘pampered, cherished, cosseted group of people.’ God is so kind to us, he cares about us. He may be the mind-blowing God who created a universe that I and I suspect most people cannot even to start to get their heads around and yet he cares about the everyday details of our lives.

Too often we do not invite God’s intervention in our lives because of some sort of misguided desire for independence or we simply forget. When we do ask for his help, guidance, provision, wisdom or miracle it comes so beautifully, so gently, so lovingly and so kindly that we wonder why we never asked before.

I cannot claim to understand any of it whether the incredible creation of a vast universe in which tiny planet Earth sits so perfectly or God’s wonderful hand of grace on my life but all I can do is sit in awestruck thankfulness to my magnificent, majestic, marvellous Creator and God.