It is a device that has witnessed and captured the handiwork of the Creator God – at least to those who believe one exists. It is the Hubble telescope, and its mechanical eyes have been gazing into the great expanse of the universe for some 19 years. But now, the famous scope is getting its final tune up, courtesy of several space walks from the space shuttle Atlantis. The upgrades will hopefully extend its life for another five or six years before it silently drifts away into the stars for good.
The Hubble has certainly seen more than its share of ‘vision issues’. But more recently it has recorded some astounding events, like the crashing of galaxies and the birth and death of the stars that make them up. Some also believe that the Hubble has actually helped pinpoint the age of the universe at 13.7 billion years and even shows where it is eventually headed.
The universe has always been a subject of great question and fascination whether it is 13 billion, or only 13 thousand, years old. And for those seeking the facts, its true origin, purpose, and destination are all clearly outlined in the Bible by the Creator who authored both. Again, it's all there for all who care to see clearly what it's all about.
The origin of the physical universe itself could not be more clearly stated than it is in Genesis chapter one.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
The eventual destination of the physical universe could likewise not be more clearly revealed than in 2 Peter chapter three.
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10-13)
The plight of those having a wrong response to the obvious majesty of the physical creation is seen in Paul’s letter to the Romans.
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
Then, too, the Scriptures are unmistakably clear about the right course of action for Christians, considering the soon-coming demise of the physical universe.
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? “(2Peter 3:11)
Those in God’s family of faith do not need some sophisticated scientific marvel to explain the origin, mechanics, or destination of their material world and universe. It’s all spelled out in God’s supernatural word. And only those in spiritual harmony with their Creator can grasp the reality of the problems and direction of the universe. Romans 8:21-24 puts it this way. “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
But of far greater importance is that only those in God’s family by faith in Jesus Christ can understand and experience the restoration that leads to the all new creation described in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
There is one old creation that is sick and fading away. But scores of ‘new creations’ made in God’s own image will live in His glorious presence for all eternity!
Bill Breckenridge
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment