Simply Awesome

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with awe during an encounter with the natural world? God’s creation is designed to reveal God to us (compare Psalm 19; Romans 1), so it is not surprising that it can produce in us feelings of awe. Whether it is breathtaking scenery, observing animal life, seeing the night sky full of stars, or watching the sheer power of a mighty storm, nature has the God-given ability to make us aware of how small we are in comparison with the universe. This, in turn, makes us realize how small we are in comparison to the God who created the universe.

Elihu directs Job’s attention to God’s creation (vs 1-13). He begins with the fact that nature is simply full of amazing realities. Lightning and thunder; snow and rain; humans and animals; all are in God’s control. The beauty and power of nature are to be meditated on so that God’s power and control can be seen and appreciated.

But Elihu does more than just point out some of the amazing aspects of the created order. He points out that we cannot duplicate what God does, nor can we fully understand how he does it (vs 14-18). This moves from observing certain facts to meditating on their significance. The awe-inspiring facts of nature are a gateway to reflect on the greatness of the Creator. We must not stop with the first step of observation - we must press on to theological reflection and worship.

If the Creation is so great, what must the Creator be like? In a beautiful, poetic image, Elihu says that it would be easier to gaze at the sun than to see God (vs 21-23). What God has made is too bright for our eyes; God himself is infinitely brighter.

Respond in Prayer

Creator God, the works of your hands fill us with awe. Your wisdom, strength, and beauty are revealed wherever we look. Give us eyes to see you in what you have made. Help us to appreciate the greatness of your Creation, so we can see your greater glory. Amen.

Steve West

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).