MEMORY VERSE: ‘Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.’ Job 38:4.
LESSON AIM: To show how the wonders of creation speak for God.
‘Many there are who say that if they could only see a miracle wrought, they would believe; and yet they are surrounded on every side by the miraculous working of God's power, as wondrously exhibited in sustaining as in creating, “so that they are without excuse.” The human eye cannot see life nor the machinery of its operations, but the “invisible things” of God, the workings of His life, “are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal Godhead.” And God's power is thus manifested to all in the world in order that men may believe that it is His life at work, and believing, find salvation. For the power that causes the roots to grow, and the flower to unfold, is the same that gives us breath and life; and when it is allowed to work in us as fully as in the flowers and all unresisting creation, it will clothe the character with the “beauty of holiness,” as surely as it clothes the flowers with a glory surpassing Solomon’s.” E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, May 9, 1895.
1. Where can we look to be sure to find evidence of the attributes of God? Romans 1:20.
NOTE: ‘Sceptics refuse to believe because with their finite minds they cannot comprehend the infinite power by which God reveals Himself to men. Even the mechanism of the human body cannot be fully understood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. Yet because human science cannot in its research explain the ways and works of the Creator, men will doubt the existence of God, and ascribe infinite power to nature. God’s existence, His character, His law, are facts that all the reasoning of men of the highest attainments cannot controvert. They deny the claims of God and neglect the interests of their souls, because they cannot understand His ways and works. Yet God is ever seeking to instruct finite men, that they may exercise faith in Him, and trust themselves wholly in His hands. Every drop of rain or flake of snow, every spear of grass, every leaf and flower and shrub, testifies of God. These little things, so common around us, teach the lesson that nothing is beneath the notice of the infinite God, nothing is too small for His attention.’ Healthful Living, pages 294-295.
2. Can we be sure to find God when we see His characteristics in nature? Jeremiah 29:13.
NOTE: ‘The work of the Creator as seen in nature reveals His power. But nature is not above God, nor is God in nature as some represent Him to be. God made the world, but the world is not God; it is but the work of His hands. Nature reveals the work of a positive, personal God, showing that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’ Manuscript Releases, volume 4, page 58