because He loves us

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.-Psalm 19:1-4

When we were driving through Canada recently, there was a breathtaking sunset.  Something about the topography of this particular stretch of road has always made the sky there feel so vast and awe-inspiring, and the sunset seemed almost weighty in its beauty.  And as I made sure my kids were seeing this awesome display of God’s glory, He whispered to my heart – I did this for you.

I was dumbstruck for a moment.  My theology has generally always, only attributed such displays as a one-sided declaration on God’s part of who He is, like a statement of fact, a proof to point to in case anyone ever wondered if He was real.  But there’s more.  It’s God seeking a response of praise and adoration.  The heavens are declaring the glory of God to us, to humanity, and not in a way that makes us run away in terror.  God made us to be drawn to beauty, and then He paints the sky with unmatched splendor.  It’s like He’s saying Look at Me!  See how magnificent I am? See how powerful? See how creative? See how much bigger and better I am than anyone ever? Don’t I deserve your love, your praise, your life?  See what amazing gifts I can pour out to you! 

It’s like the King of kings and Lord of lords is wooing humanity to Himself.  It’s His extravagant love for us written across the sky.  It’s Him giving us the smallest glimpse of His immeasurable beauty, which ends up being more spectacular than anything anyone else could ever hope to offer.  It’s Him zealously pursuing a people He died to be near.  It’s this infinite God desiring praise from us, telling us that we are valuable to Him.  It’s Him wanting to make sure we know: there’s none that can compare with Him.

It leaves me speechless.


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