In these very troubling times, most watchmen and watchwomen could really use a little cheering up. It is my hope that this article will be a comfort to those of us who truly trust in Yeshua Ha Mashiach as our personal Savior.
God’s love for His creation can be witnessed by His creation through His creation. Consider the following woefully incomplete list of the many splendid gifts afforded to us through God’s creation:
Cute, chubby little babies, hugs from loved ones, puppies, fresh hot baked rolls, blueberry pancakes and baby-back ribs, radiant sunsets, children at play, tropical fish, warm ocean breezes, ice cream, fresh flowers, autumn leaves, fields teaming with fresh fall harvests, mountaintop vistas, a cozy fire crackling with the aroma of fresh apple wood, etc. etc. Oh, did I forget to mention ice cream?
(Thankfully I’m not lactose intolerant and I’m sorry to those of you who are. I’m reminded of a funny comic titled “Lactose Intolerance” that illustrates a dairy cow being kicked out of a barn full of pigs, chickens and other farm animals while they all shout in unison: “And stay out! We don’t want your kind around here!”)
Another example of God’s love is the host of checks and balances that He has built into His creation that we take for granted. Where are all of the animals that can cause us harm? Are they out in the open lying in wait for us around every corner? No, they are usually hidden in the darkness while we pass them by unnoticed.
Speaking of noticing things, have you ever noticed what’s hanging around in your backyard at noon? Are there giant rats and possums lounging around on your lawn chairs soaking up the sunshine? Are there bats flying around your bird feeder while wolves and coyotes swim around in your pool?
I don’t know about you but I see chipmunks and squirrels hopping around in my yard in the noonday sun, along with little songbirds, fluffy bunny rabbits, and the like. Nocturnal vs. diurnal is all part of the balance ordered by our loving Creator for our enjoyment and wellbeing.
The family dog closely guards the children while the distant predators stay in the forest (or, heaven help them if they dare venture into the yard of certain family dogs… did anyone else out there see that video of the little French bulldog chasing around those grizzly bears? [1]
For the most part, dangerous animals actually look dangerous and harmless animals look harmless. We’re not deceived into thinking that predatory animals like sharks and cobras aren’t dangerous.
Of course, if the premise that the theory of evolution is based on (natural selection) were true, dolphins would have razor sharp teeth and sharks would want to play.
Aren’t you glad that the mouth that actually is filled with the giant razor sharp teeth also has a giant frown to go along with those teeth? I think it’s a good thing that sharks frown while dolphins smile, not bearing a false representation of themselves. (They’re a step above most politicians if you ask me.)
Compare the fish that swim in the clear waters above a colorful coral reef to the fish that swim deep down in the dark waters of the abyss. Bioluminescence only displays beautiful and colorful lightshows, even in the dark waters.
There are many more examples of the balance that our loving Creator has built into nature that are very easy to observe; such as the size of insects vs. the size of mammals. I don’t know what would be weirder; a beetle that really was the size of an elephant or an elephant that was the size of a beetle (think elephant beetle).
Imagine a tiny little elephant running around on your kitchen counter while a giant tarantula stood towering over your house… No thank you.
Americans who are genuine believers in Jesus as the Christ are extremely grateful for all of the blessings God provides for our families on an everyday basis.
There is a commercial for the Norfolk Southern Railroad Corp that really hits this point home for me. Most people in America probably wouldn’t pay much mind to the real meaning of the commercial but it really is a great illustration of the blessings afforded to us Americans. [2]
Two train operators are changing shifts as the one arriving for the start of his shift asks the one whose shift is ending how his day went. I would like to illustrate the conversation between the two train operators as ”First” representing the man completing the first shift, and “Second” as representing the man starting the second shift.
Here is their conversation as the operator who is about to begin the second shift approaches the operator whose shift is ending:
Second: “Big day?”
First: “Ah the usual, moved some new cars, hauled a bunch of steel, kept the supermarket shelves stocked, and made sure everyone got their latest gadgets. What’s up for the next shift?”
Second: “Ah, nothin’ much, just keepin’ the lights on.” (smiles)
First: (returns smile) “Thanks.”
A plethora of America’s blessings are shown throughout the commercial. Things like: new cars and SUVs, raw steel used to build modern office, shopping, and apartment buildings, corn fields ripe for the harvest, grocery shelves lined with cereals, warehouse shelves stocked with boxes no doubt containing “gadgets” like smartphones, appliances, games, sporting goods, cosmetics, etc. the list can go on but you get the picture.
The commercial closes by illustrating what “just keepin’ the lights on” means by showing rail cars filled to the brim with coal, which in turn is used to provide the electricity necessary to power a major city like Chicago, whose brightly lit skyline is shown at the end of the commercial.
The point is that all of the material blessings conveyed through the work of our nation’s railways on a daily basis are just “business as usual” in America. Yes, some Americans are such a spoiled lot that they even demonize the very things that serve their needs; like the trains used to deliver their toys and the coal used to light up their favorite TV shows.
Indeed, we average Americans are very spoiled, contrary to what certain socialist presidential candidates will tell you. Some Americans are even troubled that they will have to leave behind some of their “toys” once they depart the earth knowing that they will never see them again. Am I trying to make us feel guilty for our way of life?
Absolutely not, I’m attempting to demonstrate just how blessed we are even while we remain on this sinful earth. Just imagine what those of us who are destined for our heavenly home are soon to inherit!
Imagine the treasures that are to be found in heaven upon which the curse has no power! No rust, no empty fuel tanks, no empty cupboards, no empty tables, no stiff joints, no broken bones, no medicine, no hospitals, no graveyards, no crying, no dying, no pain… just “joy unspeakable and full of glory, oh the half has never yet been told.”
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).
I know it can be very difficult, but while we count our many blessings we should also try not to stay too heartbroken for too long over loved ones we have lost, especially if we believe they are in heaven. God has unspeakable joy ready to replace our sorrow and loneliness:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
Even while we remain here on earth we can rest assured that we already have a membership to the most exclusive and luxurious club in the universe, bought and paid for by the Lord Jesus Christ:
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
No matter what darkness may be approaching or what trouble lies ahead, our perseverance will be exchanged for the biggest payoff in world history:
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Trust in the God who has provided so much balance and order in His creation, demonstrating His love toward us. Thank God for His blessings, both the blessings He bestows upon earth and the blessings you will inherit in heaven. Amen.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5).
Video Links:
[1] Bears scared away by a 20 pound French Bulldog
[2] Moving the economy is “just another day” at Norfolk Southern