Comment By Torchlight

The Earth is the LORD'S

The photographs of the Earth taken by the Gemini II astronauts from an altitude of 460 miles in September last and published in the Press, must be among the most memorable pictures ever taken by human beings. As one reflected on these remarkable pictures, thoughts of the Creator's power and greatness stirred in the mind. How small this planet appears even at a distance considerably less than the length of the United Kingdom! The oceans and continents are clearly discernible, but the overwhelming impression is that of the smallness of this Earth in relation to the vastness of the universe. Isaiah's moving survey of the Creator's greatness comes to mind:

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being His counsellor hath taught Him? ... All the nations are as nothing before Him; they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity" (Isaiah 40.12-17).

The magnitude of the universe, the smallness of this planet, and man's place in the Creator's purpose are matters which have occupied the minds of many thinkers down the ages. Whatever discoveries he has made in the physical universe, man's knowledge of God's creative purpose and of the origin and destiny of mankind is confined to what God has chosen to reveal in the Holy Scriptures.

David, the psalmist, mused deeply on this profound theme, and, enlightened by the Spirit of God, expressed in Psalm 8 a divine oracle on the subject. The exposition of this Psalm in Hebrews 2 gives the key to man's place in God's plan. The Son of Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, will secure for the redeemed all that God designed for man in His primary purpose.

Returning to reflect on the smallness of this Earth in relation to the vastness of the universe, we recall that it was to this small planet the Son of God came nearly two thousand years ago. Here He was born of the Virgin, thus taking manhood into Godhood. Here, as Jesus of Nazareth, He laboured as Jehovah's Servant. Here He was crucified, lifted up to die, staining the dust of this earth with His precious blood. From its bowels he rose again and ascended to His Father-mission accomplished. Back soon He comes to reign "from sea to sea, and from the River unto the ends of the earth" (Psalm 72.8).

Under its Creator's gaze this earth moves in its appointed course, the theatre of the great conflict between good and evil, between God and His adversary, the devil. Soon from heaven will ring the triumphant cry: "The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11.15).

"How long...?

Observant readers of the Psalms will have noted the frequent occurrence of the question, "How long?" These precious songs and prayers reflect with complete accuracy the sorrows, trials, and disappointments of life, and the reaction to them of godly men in days long ago. Because the problems and experiences of human life are similar in every age, we frequently turn to the Psalms and find there an answer to our own needs and circumstances today.

The various experiences of life should provoke us to godly exercise, and frequently this will find expression in importunate pleading with God. We can reflect on examples of this given in Scripture, such as Abraham's pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18.23-33), Moses' moving plea for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 32.31-35), and Daniel's great supplication for the people of God and the city of God (Daniel 9.3-19). These great men pleaded their cause with God after the manner of an advocate when he presents his suit before a judge. To us, perhaps, their language may appear to be extreme and daring. But these were men of God and their example is on record for our guidance, God heard, answered, and honoured their pleadings.

Job, too, as he pondered God's dealings with him, posed the question, "How long?" It was not the language of despair but of hope. Men of God always look ahead-beyond the trial to the victory. God lives and all will be well. But oftentimes faith is tested that it may be strengthened for further triumphs.

Christian reader, Does the question "How long?" express your present anxiety? Are you beset with doubts and fears as you pass through deep waters of distress? Then "Hope thou in God!" This fable, taken from an old book, helpfully illustrates the ebb and flow of Christian experience: "Mother," said a little limpet sticking to the rock. "Mother, what has become of the sea? I am so dry here." "Nothing unusual has taken place, dear," said the old limpet, affectionately. "Oh, it was so nice to be in the deep water," said the little one. "Is the sea all gone?" "It will come again by-and-by, love", replied the kind old limpet, who had had long experience of ebb and flow. "But I am so thirsty, and almost faint, and the sea has been away so long." "Only wait awhile in hope, little one; hold fast to the rock, and the tide will soon come back to us." And it did come, it soon came, rolling up the beach, and humming over the sands, making little pools, and forming tiny rivers in the hollows; and then it rolled up against the rocks, and at last it came to the limpet, bathed it in its reviving waters, and so amply supplied its wants that it went to sleep in peace, forgetting its troubles.

Religious feeling has its ebbings and flowings. But when former sensible comforts are departed, still to hold fast to the immovable, unchangeable Rock, Christ Jesus is the soul's support and safety. Love mourns the absence of spiritual enjoyments. "Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His tender mercies, will He be favourable no more? Is His mercy clean gone for ever?" (Psalm 77.7-9). It is then that Faith checks fears and encourages confidence in God. "Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psalm 42.11).

unknown | Nov 1966
Comment By Torchlight