19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:19-20 ESV
Continuing to behold him, I’d like to consider how He is seen through His creative works. David and I live in ‘Beautiful B.C.’ On a recent trip home from northern B.C. we traveled through mountain ranges and valley floors. I was surrounded and awed by the majesty of His creation and the verse today came to mind.
What can be known about God, is plain to them. His eternal power and divine nature are clearly perceived in all things created.
John’s gospel reminds us all things were made through God and His word. Colossians tells us they are things visible and invisible, powers seen and unseen. All things created through him and for him. He holds all things together that in all things He would be preeminent, Col. 1:16-18.
It is as we behold every created thing that we begin to understand his ‘invisible attributes’, which are His eternal power and His divine nature. I understand the eternal power in His creative force, but have to ask myself how do I see His divine nature in creation? I’m reminded of scriptures that tell me how the sun and rain are given to all, Psalm 19:1-6; Isaiah 55:10. How can we survive without these? This is the goodness of God. The feeding of all animal life shows His great care and tells us how much more value we have than these. Job chapters thirty eight, thirty nine, remind us of His great power and glory in all creation and speaks to the divine order of His nature.
There was a time when David and I faced a significant financial need. I was sitting on our porch praying through Matthew Six and came to the scripture about God feeding the birds. A memory comes to mind about my mother being diligent, daily, to feed the birds. About this time a small bird came and landed on my table, inches away, facing me. The uncanny thing was I had no food and it just stayed there staring at me. It seemed like forever, but in those moments eternity was woking. ’How much more’ became a reality to my heart. As I watched this bird, the words ‘how much more’ penetrated my fear of lack and highlighted our Father’s care for our needs. Peace filled my soul, then the bird flew away. His eternal power (who else can make a bird land and stay so close) and divine nature (His lovingkindness) was revealed to me. Our need was met as supernaturally as the bird landing and staying. The work God did in my heart that day continues to remind me to never fear lack. Yet today, watching birds I am continually reminded of this moment and rehearse once again His eternal power and divine nature.
It is as we take the moments to have eyes that see God in all things that surround us we are able to rightly discern our Father’s Heart through His works and workings. He is ever ready to reveal and satisfy hungry hearts.
And…Romans chapter one reminds us that in the beholding of His invisible attributes - His eternal power and divine nature- that we are to honour Him and give Him thanks lest we become futile in our thinking and our foolish hearts grow dark.
Purpose this week to take time to see Him in nature and the natural around you and then ask Him to reveal something of His eternal power and divine nature to you.