WONDERS OF GOD’S SPLENDOUR

“GOD’S SPLENDOR is a tale that is told, written in the stars” (Psalm 19:1, The Passion Translation).

The Bible leaves no one in doubt as to the WONDERS of GOD’S SPLENDOUR: “God’s splendor is a tale that is told, written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story through the marvels of the heavens” (Psa.19:1, TPT). The New King James says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge” (Psa.19:1-2). In a world that’s filled with relativism and speculations, God’s sure Word of revelation drowns all other words. When the Sovereign God has spoken and revealed His Splendour in unmistakable terms, it does not matter what ideas sociologists, philosophers, psychologists, politicians, or even pastors offer, the only truth that matters is what God declares. Whatever He calls it; that settles it! We can only lay aside our speculations and submit to what He says!

In Psalm 19, David shows that God has spoken to humanity through His revelation: in His world (vv.1-6); and in His Word (vv.7-11). He concludes by showing how we must respond (vv.12-14). David might have composed the psalm after arising for an early watch out in the Judean wilderness, where he tended sheep for his father and later hid from King Saul. Sitting in the receding darkness of dawn, he was awed with the vastness of space and the immensity of God as he gazed into the starry sky. Soon the darkness gave way for the first rays of light and a glorious sunrise. David, moved with the wonder of God’s splendour, wrote a psalm which combines beautiful poetry with profound theology.

Our emphasis in today’s Capstone Capsule is how God has revealed His Splendour in His world (vv.1-6). The heavens tell of His Glory, and their vastness declares the works of His hands. These verses express three points concerning God’s revelation in creation:

First, there is abundant evidence of God’s Splendour in creation (v.1-2, 4a). The word “Glory” derives from a word meaning “weight” or “worth.” We see abundant proof of God’s weight and worth displayed in His creation, especially the vastness and grandeur of the universe. Every day the sun in its splendour and every night the stars in their glory, tell about the greater Glory and loftier Splendour of the God who spoke them into existence. If people choose to ignore God’s revelation in His creation, it is not for lack of evidence: “Their line has gone out through all the earth” (v.4). The message extends everywhere! Why people do not see the evidence is moral, not intellectual. They “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom.1:18b).

Second, the evidence is obvious with or without education. It is a silent witness: “There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard” (v.3). One does not have to be literate to grasp the revelation of God’s splendour. It speaks with unwritten words to everyone alike. In fact, being educated in the speculations of proud men may hinder one from grasping the simplicity of God’s revelation of Himself in creation. Any sane person should by seeing the awesomeness and complexity of creation, conclude that there is a Creator – a Divine Designer – whose splendour infinitely outshines that of His creation.

Third, several attributes of God are revealed in the heavens. God is Infinite in His Power; consistent and faithful just as the sun faithfully rises in the east and sets in the west; and radiant in His splendour. As a painting dimly captures the beauty of nature, so does nature itself dimly capture His Splendour. The sky is a mirror reflecting the wonder that is our God. His beauty is displayed in every sunset. His renown blazes together brighter than every star. His grace is sweeter than honey.

As we meditatively consider the grandeur of our world and all that surrounds it, we’ll be enthused to worship Him who created such a wondrous universe, and be inspired to live a life that exudes God’s Grace, reflects His Glory, and shines His Splendour. As the creation reflects the Grandeur and Splendour of God, so must His people do the same!