The Other Book

We hold the Bible in high esteem, as we should.  It is God's specific revelation to us of his will and salvation.  But we can learn so much about God and know him in a different way by observing what he does in creation.  Creation is the "other" book of God's revelation.  Consider the beauty of a sunset or sunrise, the grandeur of mountain views and waterfalls.  The vast variety of bird species that we see migrating this time of year.  Plants and trees coming back to life after a season of dormancy.  In all these things we see the hand and heart of God. To the Apostle Paul, creation provides such clear evidence of God’s existence and character that all humans have no excuse for not knowing him as Lord.

All that said, imagine if you saw someone burning a Bible.  Imagine if you saw someone using a Bible as a doorstop.  How would you feel if someone used the pages of Scripture to roll a joint?  It would appall us to see God’s word being so misused.  And so on this Earth Day, let’s remember that creation is God’s other book.  In powerful ways, it tells us who God is and reveals his presence.  When we see his creation abused or neglected, this too should appall us.  Caring for general revelation is not something that should be left to the pagans or the radical environmentalists.  We have much skin in this game too.  Read your Bible.  But don't neglect the other book that God has given us.