Christian Naturalists Observations's Journal

GOD'S CREATION KNOCKS UPON OUR HEARTS
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him..."

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 19949590 - Hermit Thrush; Clarke County, Georgia. January 27, 2019.

On a cloudy Sunday afternoon between church services, I was able to enjoy some birding next to my backyard fire pit. Along with a cup of coffee, it was a nice afternoon of journaling and photography. After several hours of the usual birds, I was delighted by the soft appearance of a dainty Hermit Thrush scraping in the leaf litter not far from my chair.

As soon as that thrush appeared, there was something in my heart that lifted; a subtle spark of joy or excitement. Where does this spark of joy come from? If we are just the products of random chance and evolution, and the other organisms on this planet are just rivals in this game called “survival of the fittest”, shouldn’t I just have stomped on him as an inferior competitor in the food chain? There must be something more to it.

“Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun... will shine upon the key-hole.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

In JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the knocking thrush was a sign to party of dwarves that marked the key hole to the entrance of their lost homeland. Just like Tolkien’s thrush, this world and its amazing creatures knock upon our hearts and unlock the knowledge of our Creator, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:20 that creation reveals God’s eternal power and godhead. If we choose not to ignore our hearts, the wonder and design of this universe lead our minds to God.

How does all this explain that spark? Well, in Revelation 4:11, John tells us that all things were created by Jesus Christ and for His "pleasure they are and were created". God finds pleasure in His creation! And being made in His image, God has placed within us a similar pleasure that we find in creation. Hence the subtle leap of joy upon seeing even a simple Hermit Thrush!

Zechariah 1:11 The Message They reported their findings to the Angel of God in the birch grove: “We have looked over the whole earth and all is well. Everything’s under control.”

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 40333906 - Wood Duck; Walton County, Georgia. March 20, 2020.

While Homo sapiens are isolating in fear of pandemics, prepping food against a coming recession, wringing their hands about World War III, or just generally worrying about anything and everything, the rest of species on this planet are boldly moving ahead with the vernal equinox as scheduled on March 20. As I briefly, and timidly, left the confines of my sterile bunker this morning for a short walk, I was outraged to see so many critters blatantly ignoring the world’s woes and enjoying spring!

In less than an hour I counted 26 different bird species and three turtles breaking curfew… more than 50 individuals! Even the normally reclusive Wood Ducks had the audacity to come into plain view on the open pond. But I’m sure as they flip on the social media and take in the current events, they’ll all retreat into their holes, cavities and nests as we humans have.

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 40334091 - Eastern Musk Turtle; Walton County, Georgia. March 20, 2020.

When you look and see so many birds, reptiles and insects roaming, it would almost appear that the God of creation has everything under control, although we humans feel like things are out of control. Is that even possible?

Psalm 11:1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

I hope you enjoyed this light-hearted commentary on the current events, and are comforted by the photos of God’s beautiful creation that exists right outside our back doors! Even if you can’t go far, get out and enjoy our Creator’s works right in your little plot of land.