The Heavens Declare

Paul reminds us all that "that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse" (Rom.1:19-20). 

         In creating this world in which we live, God made certain that even the surroundings in which we live would provide a testimony of His existence. Much like an artist who conspicuously signs his or her work so that the viewer is constantly reminded of who the creator is, God’s signature exists upon His creation for all to see. Bonaventure, a thirteenth century church leader, insightfully described nature as "the Artwork of God".  Creation in all its splendor is given for man to enjoy while we also live by its abundance. More importantly, it also serves as a testimony that there is a loving God who not only created the beauty of this world in which we live, it also reminds us of His creative power that is capable of bringing that which He has begun to His promise of Eternal Life.

Within creation, God has left His signature. That signature is seen in the signs that testify to His own glorious being and His plan of redemption. Our opening text declares "His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made". The Psalmist agrees saying "the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands".  This was God's plan from the beginning, that both heaven and earth would be full of "signs" that testify to His glory and His plan. Genesis tells us that on the fourth day of creation, God said "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth" (Gen 1:14-15). The Hebrew word used here for "sign" is "owth", meaning “an omen, a prodigy, or a monument". Written upon creation is a monument to the glorious plan of God.

Numerous prophets spoke of constellations and their part in the revelation of God's eternal plan (Job, Amos, Ezekiel, Isaiah, etc). The heavens declare His glory, and for those who will see and hear their testimony, they reveal His divine plan of salvation.  Many ancient and nomadic cultures lived by the testimony of the stars.The Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks Babylonians, and many others, all leave records of what late nineteenth century author Joseph Seis titled "The Gospel in the Stars". From the first of the twelve astrological signs of Virgo, which is a “sign” of Christ's birth, to the twelfth sign of Leo the Lion, which likewise testify to His return, the signs God placed in the heavens declare the gospel message.  The Wisemen used the "sign" of the star to find the prophesied Messiah. Jesus said, upon His return, the sign of the Son of Man will be seen in the heavens by all the earth (Mt.24:30).         From the testimony of the sun that rules the world by day to the testimony of the moon which guides by night, the heavens bear witness to a glorious God of creation. For those who are willing to see, they also will also bring understanding to His plan of redemption and the reality of His imminent return. When speaking to the religious leaders, Jesus compared discerning the conditions in the sky to discerning the “signs of the times” (Mt.16).  Are you aware of the "signs of the times”? Do you see the signs that declare the glory of God ias they are written in creation? As the Psalmist assures us, "the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Ps.19).

As each day you enjoy the beauty of creation, are you allowing "the artwork of God" to testify to His glory and His plan for your life?  As our opening text declares, are you seeing his "eternal power and divine nature" in "what is made"?  Do you see His glory and a testimony of His coming in the heavens?   Let their testimony speak to your heart and mind today. s As Paul encourages, "think on these things”. 

(For more information on the signs written in the heavens, read "The Gospel in the Stars" by Joseph Seis, originally published in 1882)