Creation Up Close

When John Lasseter of Pixar Studios was asked about the limitations of working with animation, he said, “The more organic something is . . . the harder it is to recreate with a computer.” In contrast, a review of some organic photography gushed, “One canvas in magenta red has curling squares of what looks like skin or material; another has furry brown hairs sprouting on green and orange stripes; and on a third, lip-like shapes float on a gray-white background.” The reviewer was describing photos of tree bark.

We may marvel at the achievements of humanity, but nothing compares to the ways and wonders of the Creator and His creation. Just one look at earth and sky and we concede that they’re far beyond anything we could ever imagine (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The splendor of creation exists to turn our hearts in worship to the Creator. Just as the word of the Lord created life on earth, so too are we—who were once dead in our sins—brought to life through the power of Scripture (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Although creation is broken by humanity’s sin, it still points to God’s everlasting power and love. He has made a way for us to live in joy and peace. Like the gift of creation, salvation is a gift that we need simply to believe in and receive (Isaiah 55:1-3). And God is working in everything toward a time when “the mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” (Isaiah 55:12).

Dr. Lewis Foster beautifully describes how creation magnifies Jesus: “The closer one gets to something [humanity] has made, the more its imperfections are obvious. The more we magnify something God has created, the more we see its perfection.” In Him we find perfect creation and full salvation.

Taken from “Our Daily Journey”