Ubiquitous Witness

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:15-17

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened… They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!” Romans 1:18-21,25

Paul and Barnabas strode boldly into city after city, proclaiming and explaining gospel truth, rousing conviction and emotional response. In Lystra, after the Lord healed a cripple through Paul’s command, crowds began to worship them as miracle- working gods. Paul immediately exposed their foolish propensity to give homage to people and things rather than to God. He alone was the Source of all things good, animate and inanimate. He was the only One worthy of worship, adoration, and allegiance.

The witness of the Lord God- His creativity, beauty, and power- is everywhere. Outwardly obvious in the colors and systems and whimsical intricacies of nature, and inwardly evident in the exquisite harmonies in music, familial love, intellectual epiphanies, social intuition, His fingerprint is ubiquitous. As dwellers in His appointed time and space, we are accountable to respond and relay.

The vastness of the skies beckon us to bow, the beauties of His creation to praise. His wisdom and order call us to get in step, the conviction of His Spirit to reconcile. His energy and power are offered freely in answer to prayer, His love and mercies extended are ours to dispense.

How often do we contemplate the Lord’s manifold witness? Are we casual, callous, or distractedly ignorant of His bountiful display around us? Or do we hone our senses to comprehend the majesty, delight, and perfect wisdom behind all He has made, and think on how to magnify His witness? How promptly do we praise Him, acknowledging Him as the First Cause? When piqued with curious wonder, do we align our ideas and plans with His mind? With whom do we testify of His loveliness? Witness meaningfully received becomes witness clearly and powerfully communicated.

Lord, reflect and proclaim Your excellent witness in my words and deeds, to Your glory.