Five Objects of Wonder, Part 2
Last summer I shared about five things that are so astonishing, they make me want to throw my hands up in praise to God. As promised, I have provided five more below. I hope they do the same for you, and I would love to hear from you if there are things that you consider objects of wonder.
Snowflakes: Nearly impossible to see, yet exceedingly beautiful, each snowflake bears its own unique touch of the Creator. How do we know each snowflake is unique? Because the chances of two snowflakes being alike is less than me finding a winning lottery ticket in a haystack while being struck by lightning. I’m talking about one in one septillion! If God puts that much care into each snowflake, imagine how precious each of you are to him.
Immunity: While snowfall is a delight to observe, it also means we’re entering the season of sicknesses. Winter is the time of year when microscopic invaders do their best to usher in the apocalypse. I’m continually astounded that God designed our bodies with a mechanism for not only killing intruders but using the victory to become invincible against them in future attacks. Who but God could create something like that? Humans are attempting antifragility with artificial intelligence but have yet to create a machine that rebuilds itself stronger after each setback.
Horses: Speaking of the apocalypse, these gentle giants bear the honor of carrying our Lord into the final battle. I grew up with horses and carry a deep sense of awe at their emotional intelligence, courage, and loyalty. One of the great paradoxes of horses is that they can provide therapy that saves human lives but will fearlessly charge into battle when asked. God sums it up best in Job 39:19-25:
Do you give strength to the horse?
Do you adorn his neck with a mane?
Do you make him leap like a locust?
His proud snorting fills one with terror.
He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength;
he charges into battle.
He laughs at fear, since he is afraid of nothing;
he does not run from the sword.
A quiver rattles at his side,
along with a flashing spear and a javelin.
He charges ahead with trembling rage;
he cannot stand still at the sound of the ram’s horn.
When the ram’s horn blasts, he snorts defiantly.
He smells the battle from a distance;
he hears the officers’ shouts and the battle cry.
And if horses are God’s favorite animal, then they’re mine too!
Good Books: Another thing we’ll see in heaven besides horses, are good books, at least if you believe C.S. Lewis:
“Yes,” my friend said. “I don’t see why there shouldn’t be books in heaven. But you will find that your library in heaven contains only some of the books you had on earth.”
“Which?” I asked.
“The ones you gave away or lent.”
“I hope the lent ones won’t still have all the borrowers’ dirty thumb marks,” said I.
“Oh yes they will,” said he, “But just as the wounds of the martyrs will have turned into beauties, so you will find that the thumb marks have turned into beautiful illuminated capitals or exquisite marginal woodcuts.”
C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock (Scrap #1)
Books are now more accessible than ever before, too. Whether you listen to an audio book or travel with an entire library on a digital reader, you can enjoy your favorite books anywhere at any time. What an amazing time to be alive!
Good Food: When I’m not reading books in heaven, I’ll likely be enjoying the great buffet with Jesus. I could write at length about how good food points me to God. Thanksgiving dinner reminded me of his abundance; late morning hunger pangs remind me of my need for him; daily bread reminds me of his grace. My favorite food is beef ribs, which remind me that God is good!
What about you? What reminds you of God’s majesty? Send your list to blog@foundrybend.org. (Ribs may be delivered to the church office, clearly labeled “For Austin Only!”)
