Nature Speaks of the Glories of God

Season 2 Episode 28 --  Nature is an important way that God communicates to us.  In fact, the Bible is full of verses that amplify this truth.  This is made very clear in a new book, "The Language of Rivers and Stars," that I read recently.  What are the main ideas from this book?  Listen and find out!

"Reflect on This" is a once-weekly, short devotional podcast. In these devotionals, I share the things I am learning about the ways and nature of God, through applying my study of the Scriptures to life in practical and fulfilling ways.
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis
 
 Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
 Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope" (podcast)
This is a 4-minute weekday podcast, where Joni shares stories of her life and biblical applications.  One of the world's longest living quadriplegics, God has used her courage, determination, faithfulness, and love to inspire and minister in amazing ways to people around the world.    
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free (and low-cost) resources, including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and devotionals.
On your computer, go to e-sword.net
On your mobile device, go to your app store and search for “e-sword.” 

Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all 

Transcript

It was a night many years ago, when I was in college.  I had some questions for God that were really on my heart.  I needed some answers.  I needed to get my spirit, soul, and body focused on the Father, so that I could really listen to His voice.  

So, what did I do?  I went to a quiet, secluded place, where I could sit, be still, take in the fresh night air, and gaze at the stars.  And do you know what?  In that quiet, secluded place, as I gazed up at the stars on that clear night, I began to think less about me and more about God.  After a while, being still before the Lord, taking in His creation, I heard God’s voice, bringing relevant Scriptures to my mind.  I began to discern answers to my questions.

I recalled this moment from many years ago of interacting with the Lord in the midst of His creation as I recently read Seth Lewis’ latest book, “The Language of Rivers and Stars.” In this book, he helps us to gain a greater appreciation for how nature speaks of the glories of God.

Lewis first describes the Bible as the Rosetta Stone that decodes nature’s hieroglyphs into meaningful descriptions of the ways and nature of God.  Nature is an important way that God communicates to us.  

For example, in Psalm 19, David “does not want to know what God says simply for the novelty of hearing from him.  It’s personal; he hears God speaking to him, and he wants to know how to respond.”

Psalm 19:1-2 NIV  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  (2)  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  

Lewis continues:  “This is how relationships work.  Communication calls for response.  God’s word does not simply inform us about God; it invites us to respond to him.”  God uses two languages -- the language of words, and the language of the realities of the world around us.  “He calls to us through both languages to know him and respond to him.”

“The art of interpreting creation is simply the process of understanding how the words of Scripture and the pictures of nature tell the same story.  Look how Jesus interprets creation in Luke 12:”

Luke 12:22-31 NIV  Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  (23)  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  (24)  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  (25)  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?  (26)  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  (27)  "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  (28)  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!  (29)  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  (30)  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  (31)  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Jesus is telling us directly that we can interpret His creation and apply it to our lives.  And He is showing us how:

•  First, Jesus encourages us to discover what God has made.
• Next, Jesus demonstrates how to interpret what we discover in nature with the truth that God has revealed to us in the Bible.
• Finally (and most importantly), Jesus encourages us to respond.”

Lewis then uses this simple yet powerful pattern of discovering, interpreting, and responding to walk us through each day of creation as recorded in Genesis.  It is a wonderful explanation of the revelation of the glories of God as revealed in His creation.  

After reading “The Language of Rivers and Stars,”  I had several significant take-aways:

• A new appreciation for how God speaks to us as we discover and re-discover the world around us
• An encouragement to interpret nature by the Scriptures
• An admonition to then respond to God’s revealed glory – in awe, worship, praise, and thanksgiving!
• A motivation to use the wonders of nature in our interactions with both believers and unbelievers, to point them to the Creator!

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”