“God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” Martin Luther
THE SECOND BOOK OF GOD
Traditionally theologians referred to the Bible and nature as “two books,” which when read side by side combine to reveal the God of creation. The first book, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, is called “special revelation.” The Scriptures are special, in part, because if God had not chosen human writers who were inspired by the Spirit of truth to disclose this unique and specific knowledge, we would not be aware of it.
The second of God’s two revelations is the book of nature, termed “general revelation.” This is the record of our Creator that is revealed in the natural world around us. We call it a general revelation because it has been generally available to people throughout all the ages. It is a revelation that is available to all people regardless of age or literacy levels! Nature showcases the handiwork of God in the creation, and records God’s actions on the earth and in human history.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Since the creation of the world ,the Creator’s invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Rom. 1:20).
The Hebrew author of Psalm 19 expressed a similar observation when he wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (vv.1-4).
Do we take time to listen to God in trees, animals, flowers and stars? God is speaking, but are we listening?
Season of Creation 3: ACSA Environmental Network
Daily Action:
Take a walk in your area, or hike somewhere nearby. Sit quietly, look at the sky, feel the breeze, hear the birds . Listen for the voice of God in Creation.
A PRAYER OF ST AIDAN
Leave me alone with God as much as may be.
As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,
Make me an island, set apart,
alone with you, God, holy to you.
Then with the turning of the tide
prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,
the world that rushes in on me
till the waters come again and fold me back to you.