"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge ... The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:1-2,7 (Read Psalm 19)
Does anyone have an excuse? Can anyone say I didn't know there was an almighty and all-wise God? The answer is no. Why? Because God's creation (as well as the law of God written upon man's heart) testifies to the existence of an almighty, all-wise creator to whom we are responsible for our lives and to whom we must one day give account (cf. Romans 1:18ff.).
It is as the Psalm says (v. 1-6): "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof...."
Each night the stars testify of God's infinite wisdom and almighty power; and each day, as the sun runs its course from the eastern sky to the western, it bears witness to the strength and majesty of its maker. Who could make such a grand universe if He Himself were not wise and powerful beyond all measure!
Such testimony from creation should move us to seek out our Creator, to learn of Him and to serve Him. And, thankfully, He has with all clarity made Himself known to us in the pages of the Bible -- His inspired revelation to us. Thus, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple...."
The law (Torah) in this psalm refers not just to laws and commandments but to all the Sacred Scriptures. This law tells us of God and creation, man's fall into sin and God's plan of salvation through the gift of His Son. The law reveals God's holy commandments and our utter failure to live up to God's expectations (in thoughts, desires, words and deeds), but it also reveals the salvation God provided when He sent His only-begotten Son into this world as a man to fulfill all righteousness for us and to die on the cross and pay in full for the sins of all mankind and then rise again.
As the apostle Paul writes, the inspired Scriptures "are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15; cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).
Can anyone claim excuse? Can anyone escape God's judgment saying, I didn't know? Not at all! For all of creation reveals the existence of God, and this God has made Himself and the salvation He provided for us known in His Word!
We thank You, almighty God, that You have revealed Yourself to us through Your mighty works and that You make Yourself and Your mercy in Christ Jesus known to us through the pages of Your Word. Grant us the wisdom to hear Your testimony and to trust in Your mercy. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]
Editorial on 03/07/2018