“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.... The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” — Psalms 19:1, 7.
IN this nineteenth Psalm we are called to consider the twofold testimony of creation and of the Word, or the Bible, as we call it. God has revealed His eternal power and deity in the wonders of the created universe (Rom. 1:20). This testimony is so full and so wonderful, so compelling, if considered carefully, that men are without excuse if they reject it. In addition, however, He has revealed His love and His righteousness in the Scriptures, where we learn of His marvelous plan of redemption for lost mankind. It is this which, if received in faith, will produce the new birth (1 Peter 1:23-25).
The amazing mechanism of the universe declares there is a Master Mind behind it. It is designed to lead men to recognize the personality and omnipotence of God. Well has Young written, “An undevout astronomer is mad.” The heavens are ever telling of their Creator’s wisdom, and calling men to bow reverently before Him and to seek His face. But it is only in the Scriptures that we have the full revelation of His Fatherhood and His redemptive plan. We should never understand His grace apart from its manifestation in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is Himself the central theme of both Testaments. It is through this unveiling that we are enabled to draw nigh to God, knowing He is full of mercy and compassion, infinitely holy and righteous, yet ready to forgive all who trust His Son, who has made full expiation for all our sins.
“Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen:
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know as now I know,
I am His and He is mine.”
— Wade Robinson.