The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 WEB

King David wrote these memorable words. With them, he asserts that creation itself testifies to the glory of God. His handiwork is displayed before our eyes as a testimony. In other words, creation is a means by which God reveals himself to mankind. Not only does creation show his handiwork, it also declares God’s glory. In his creation, God reveals the truth about his providence, power, and authority. 

As there is no painting without a painter, no written word without a writer, or no building without a builder, there is no creation without a Creator. If we see a painting, it is reasonable to assume a painter. Stumbling across an old book or building, we do not need to have witnessed their creation. We know that the mere presence of these things indicates the intelligence and presence of their creator.  

Everlasting Power and Divinity

Likewise, the vast expanse of creation testifies to the presence of God. As David says, it shows his handiwork. Like David, Paul teaches that God reveals his existence through his creation. As we read in Romans 1:20, “For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse. WEB”

There is no effect without a cause. This is the scientific principle of causation. That the expanse of creation exists is obvious. But what caused it? What brought about material and the changes observed throughout time? Logic and reason insist that the cause of time must be eternal and timeless. In the same line of reasoning, the cause of material existence must therefore be immaterial. 

The Expanse of Creation

Going back to the original cause of all things, we are left with the stark realization of what natural theologians call a prime mover. That is to say, creation requires a single, independent, divine, immaterial, eternal, unchanging source. A person might argue that the universe came into existence with a “big bang” of material super compressed into a tiny point. And yet we ask, where did that material come from and also, who or what began its expansion?

David’s words make clear his understanding of the futility of material creating itself and organizing itself. Like David, Christians do not worship material as though it created itself or heavenly bodies as though they rule over us. Rather, we reasonably recognize the necessity of God and his handiwork in creation. In other words, believers perceive the expanse of creation as a testimony to the presence of our Creator. Like David, we glorify and worship the Lord.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Charitable Giving