Thanks to inventor Hans Busch, physicist Ernst Ruska, and electrical engineer Max Knoll, we’ve enjoyed the benefits of their invention, the electron microscope, since 1931.
With its superior magnification power (up to 10,000,000x), scientists can capture images like those below. See if you can identify the object in each photo.
(Photo #1–the cross section of a plant stem; Photo #2–butterfly eggs; Photo #3–butterfly scales; Photo #4–olivine (rock); Photo #5–tomato plant leaf; Photo #6 rose petal.)
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
–Psalm 19:1
First, the heavens include our planet, of course. And everything on the earth and in it also tells of the glory of God.
Second, what exactly is the glory of God? Theologian Charles Ryrie described it as “the manifestation of any or all of God’s attributes on display.” Puritan preacher Thomas Watson said it’s “the sparkling of the Diety.” I love that, don’t you?
Just in those few microscope-images above we see evidence of his dazzling wisdom—in the design of a plant stem that moves water and nutrients upward against gravity to the leaves. And then the products produced by photosynthesis in the leaves are taken back through the stem to other parts of the plant, including the roots.
We see evidence of God’s stunning artistry in those butterfly eggs with the eye-catching ridges.
And we see his creative use of shape and color in the butterfly scales, the olivine sample, the tomato leaf, and rose petal.
Billions more examples can be found all across our varied planet, manifesting his goodness in the variety of plants, animals, landforms, and more that he’s given us to use and enjoy.
I wonder—do you suppose God smiled when he created those tiny eggs with dozens of ridges? That tomato leaf with hundreds of sprouts? (No wonder they feel rough to the touch!) That rose petal embroidered with ovals? Did he smile to think about the day when someone would discover the infinitesimal splendor he’d designed eons before?
And yet, even more astounding than the magnificence of God revealed in nature is God’s glory revealed in you and me.
All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces;
and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit,
transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.
1 Corinthians 3:18 GNT
We’re a bit like those watches with phosphorescent numbers. The more light those numbers absorb, the more they glow.
Similarly, the more we bask in God’s presence through prayer, praise, and worship, the more we’ll manifest the glow of his attributes:
- his perfect wisdom guiding our life choices, what we do, and what we say
- his marvelous artistry in our positive imprint on others
- his divine creativity manifested in the unique shape and color of our gifts and talents
- his absolute goodness in the blessings we bestow to those around us
And imagine our faces, glowing ever brighter as we continually reflect more of the sparkling of our Diety.
What could be more delightful and satisfying?
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.wikimedia.com (4); http://www.rd.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.snappygoat.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.
From the Inside Out 