Creation Speaks

by: Adam Stout

The Bible is full of references to nature: from its first chapter, where God created this beautiful world, to its last chapter, where the Lord reigns over his new creation. God promises Abraham his descendants will be as numerous as the grains of sand on the beach or stars in the sky. David sings about finding refuge under the wings of God. Solomon compares his lover’s hair to a flock of goats. John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb. Jesus calls the Pharisees a brood of vipers. Paul likens the church to the human body. And in Revelation John casts a spectacular vision of the new heavens where the River of Life flows from the throne of God and nourishes the tree of life which bears fruit all year.

There is such rich diversity in nature, so many reflections of the One who created it, that it’s hard to know where to begin. I have chosen to look at scriptural references to animals, whose creation is certainly one of the most captivating and memorable parts of Genesis 1. From the youngest child to the oldest adult, there are always new wonders to learn about ourselves and our God by looking at animals. The animal kingdom, like humanity, is in a broken state. But we can see the hand of a good God who created a perfect world and who promises to make it new again someday.