Scripture: By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3 ESV
Observation: While Abraham presents us with two variations of the creation story in Genesis (chapters 1 and 2), the author of Hebrews provides us with a third, succinct perspective: what is visible of our universe God spoke into existence out of nothing (tabula rasa). Indeed, this bold statement corroborates John’s prologue to his gospel: that Christ, who is the spoken Word (Logos) and one with God, made all things (John 1:2). Thus, the means of comprehending the Source of our universe is faith.
Takeaway: While the science of astronomy verifies what is visible in the far reaches of space and speculates on what is beyond telescopic sight, there remains inherent uncertainty and chaos. But faith in our divine triune God, who spoke all things into existence, assures us that there is order to all physical matter and life. While researchers theorize and speculate to fill gaps, our faith in Divine Intelligence explains irreducibly complex elements of human life that could not have evolved. And faith tells us how our earth’s angle, rotation, and position to the sun and location in the Milkyway galaxy defy odds (providing the only suitable habitat for life to exist). And most importantly, faith explains how a sin-ridden heart of stone becomes a heart of flesh.
So how does faith bring understanding to our universe? It points us to the object of our faith: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In our Triune Godhead, we find assurance of a Divine Creator who declared his creation “good.” And when sin infiltrated and marred creation (creating chaos), our sovereign God set in motion a rescue plan in Christ (the image of God) to disempower sin at the Cross and ensure its destruction when he returns and makes all things new—restoring order. Thus, faith in the One who created the universe brings understanding and purpose to our existence.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for revealing yourself through all aspects of your creation, but first and foremost through your incarnate Son. And we thank you for the gift of faith that allows us to comprehend the mysteries of the unseen. Would you please help us cooperate with your Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding of our existence and purpose in life? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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