1.5.1-1.5.3 God is Everywhere

I just read an article about the faith of the people in Haiti. Even though it has been just over a week since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Haitians are still holding on to their faith, singing and praying everywhere. If the Haitians can have such great faith there, why do we have such a hard time here?

God is not only the Creator of the universe and all that is in it, He is also constantly at work in the governing of His creation. Calvin writes, "[God] revealed himself and daily discloses himself in the whole workmanship of the universe. As a consequence, men cannot open their eyes without being compelled to see him." Unfortunately, sin prevents us from recognizing God when we see him. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I believe that it is when we are really focused on serving God that we recognize him when we look around in our world.

My great-uncle Ferd got me interested in astronomy many years ago. I remember being particularly amazed the first time he showed me Saturn through his telescope. You could see the rings around it and even a moon or two. Since then, I have my own telescope which I use to look in the sky and some of the wonders God created. Calvin writes, "You cannot in one glance survey this most vast and beautiful system of the universe, in its wide expanse, without being completely overwhelmed by the boundless force of its brightness."

Calvin goes on to discuss the reality that God can be found not only through intense study of the sciences such as astronomy and medicine, but he also shows evidences of himself so willingly that "even the most untutored and ignorant persons...cannot open their eyes without being compelled to witness them."

The third section of chapter 5 declares that man is the "loftiest proof of divine wisdom." It is because we are created in the image of God that we are examples of God's power, goodness, and wisdom. Each of us contains enough miracles to occupy our minds, if "we are not irked at paying attention to them." Calvin concludes this section with a hint at later discussions of predestination by declaring, "Indeed, no one gives himself freely and willingly to God's service unless, having tasted his fatherly love, he is drawn to love and worship him in return."

It was another cup of Emeril's coffee this morning. I really need to go by BBBY for some variety.