Focal Passage: Psalm 19:1-11
In May of 1995 I went on a mission trip to Canada with a group of Tennessee BSU students. During a brief sightseeing time we visited Lake Louise where a friend and I rode up the mountain on the ski lift. As we viewed the beautiful landscape, I remember wondering how anyone could deny the existence of God.
The psalmist came to a similar conclusion as he proclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). He went on to confirm that both day and night speak to us and teach us about God without ever saying a word (Psalm 19:2-3)!
Mankind has ultimately come to one of two conclusions regarding the universe: either it is the result of random events using preexisting materials, or it is the intentional creation from nothing by an intelligent designer. Who can honestly look at the night sky and say, “Random chance did a marvelous job!”? The eyes of faith tell us the universe is the handiwork of God. The only thing that makes this reality even greater is knowing that one cannot escape from this exhibition of God’s glory. From pole to pole, evidence for His existence is always on display (Psalm 19:4).
Why did the psalmist suddenly shift from exclaiming the glory of God in creation to extolling the value of the Word of God? The answer is the difference between general revelation and special revelation. General revelation refers to how God’s existence is displayed in creation. It tells us that God is real, but it does not tell us how to have a relationship with Him. According to Romans 1:20, God’s invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature can be seen in creation, so that all people are without excuse. In other words, no one can rightly stand before God and say, “I did not have enough evidence to know that you existed.”
General revelation is enough to condemn sinners, but not enough to save them. On the other hand, the Word of God, special revelation, tells us who God is and how we can know Him personally. That is why we send missionaries to the ends of the earth! Employing a number of synonyms for the Old Testament law, the psalmist affirmed the Word of God as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, reliable and righteous (Psalm 19:7-9). He also declared that the ordinances of the Lord are “more desirable than gold – than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10). They are more desirable than the best gold and sweeter than the best honey.
God has not left us to look at the universe and draw our own conclusions. He has given us His complete revelation so we know that salvation comes through faith in Jesus. It is by the Word of God that we are warned and given abundant reward (Psalm 19:11). So, let us heed the warning and reap the reward: “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). This is God’s Plan for God’s glory. B&R