I was listening to a Tim Keller sermon podcast (as I do pretty much every time I ride). But, on this day Tim (yeah, Tim and I are are on a first name basis) was teaching on the Theology of Ecology: that is the study of God with respect to the environment. He began to talk about Psalm 19 and how "The heavens (which from the perspective of the writer would have included sky or even earth) declare the glory of God...Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."
He concluded with the notion that the sky (earth, nature) has a voice. Not only does nature have a voice but it is speaking to us everyday, all day. When you goggle at the sun, feel the trickles of rain fall on your arm, when you hear the wind blowing through the trees, when you gaze at a waterfall, even when you look at your pet fish, remember she (nature) is speaking words to you. She is obediently saying, "Hey you...look and see the glory of God."
Not only should we recognize the voice of nature, but we should honor nature. Nature is being obedient to God in a way that we are unable to be. In fact, Romans 8:19-21 tells us that "creation eagerly awaits (on her tippy toes) the revealing of the sons of God." In other words, nature is waiting in love for us to catch up with them, with respect to obedience to God.
As I get dressed for my 20 mile ride this morning, I dress ardently to listen to the trees as they shout out the "Glory of God..." I dress ardently to see the cardinal as it flies in complete obedience to God.
Are you listening? Are you watching?
Additional References:
Psalm 24:1-2
Psalm 97:1-6
Colossians 1:16
Romans 1:18-20
