the outskirts of his ways

 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways.

Job 26:14

      God doesn’t only tell us who he is through his Word, he also reveals himself through nature. His attributes are on display for all the world to see, from towering mountains to crashing waves, desert wastes to dripping caves. They all tell of a great Designer. As if Scripture weren’t enough to meditate upon for our entire lives, God has given us a world that showcases his character. 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. (Romans 1:20)

     Just because creation tells of God doesn’t mean it does so perfectly. The Fall happened, and all creation groans to be remade. Just like us. We are broken and sinful, yet we still bear God’s image. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  (Romans 8:23) Even creation longs to be redeemed from the consequences of sin. So when you see sickness, violence, and suffering in nature, know that it is a result of the Fall, not an expression of God’s character.

     Even though there is evil in this world, beauty still abounds. Look around. You can see it in a tree, a waterfall, even a tiny insect. The mountains tell of God’s power, the ocean of his boundless love. The dew tells of his mercies, new every morning. The birds sing his praise, the stars bear witness to his faithfulness. The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1) The snow gives us a picture of our souls washed white. The complexity of DNA proclaims the intricacies of God’s design for this world. All these, and more, give us but a glimpse of the power, creativity, and marvelous love of our God. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power, who can understand? (Job 26:14)

     One day, all will be made right. There will be no sickness, violence, or suffering in the new creation. It will all be beautiful -remade into the paradise it was meant to be. All that is twisted, sinful, and corrupt will be removed forever. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. (Revelation 22:3) God will make everything a perfect witness to his glory and grace.