Consider with me that our world is not one of mere utility. Our Father did not make a world of sheer functionality but of enjoyment too. More than water we have juice, more than intelligible sound we have the wonders of music and more than breathable air we enjoy pleasing fragrances, both natural and contrived.
What does this say about our God, that He would make a complex world of joy for us? That though He does not now bellow from the whirlwind as He did with Job (38:1), He speaks so loudly in the natural world (Ps. 19:1-2). Silent, and yet loudly, He points us to a playful complexity. What does it all mean?
I won’t play at a definitive answer, but offer one of many in this: If God is so gracious as to leave behind such enjoyment in a cursed world (Is. 24:1-6), what should we expect of the world that is to be eternally blessed? What will our eyes behold of the land where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13)?
My friends, let’s use this 4th of July and its festivities for our spiritual profit as we regard our earthly blessings. Let every laugh remind us of the joys of heaven, and every firework of our ascent to Him who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16).
Father, thank you for giving us more than what we need as we eagerly await far more than what we deserve.
David Noel, Jr. is the Director of Youth Ministry and leads our CrossRoads Young Adults ministry.