Signatures with an Attitude
Some of the most well-known signatures can be seen on the constitution of the United States. It is common for school children in this country to have seen these signatures several times. I still remember some of them. They are distinctive. Those signatures, with the characteristic writing style of each of the framers of the document, gave the constitution legal status. It made a statement about government and autonomy that still has impact.
The Signature of God in the Atmosphere of Earth
Consider one small part of God’s creation. The atmosphere is as thin as a pencil line that makes a circle on a typical sheet of copy paper. The atmosphere’s array of constituent elements, the magnificent presence of moisture, and its characteristics as altitude increases are perfect for His created people. When overlaid with the earth’s rotation, the effects of the sun, and the interaction with the equally unique waters of the seas, the weather patterns, which are mistakenly considered so common, produce scenes that are unforgettable. The scenes and conditions that we so often see comprise God’s signature. It is not meant as a poetic statement but a factual legal statement. Examine Job 36 and 37 to find statement after statement that express the same sentiment: what we see in the sky and the weather is His doing. The statements are corroborated by other scriptures. Unlike the signatures on the constitution of the United States, His signature is repeated…and repeated…and repeated. And, it is displayed in a way that is obvious.
False Signature
The penalty for falsified signatures in the world is usually high. A signature is a person’s word. If it is faked by someone else, it is a criminal offense. Think of this common statement, “Look what Mother Nature has done!” It is usually a statement made about extreme weather. Who is Mother Nature? Does this entity have authority? Is the entity real? In this day and age, where God is denied mention in the makeup and workings of the world we live in, the expression is common but it is a false signature.
An Exhortation
This world was made to be inhabited, according to Scripture (Isaiah 45:18, which echoes Genesis 1). Therefore, earth’s atmosphere and behavior were created and given dynamic characteristics that are unique to the planet. As we talk to people in our teachings and classes on creation, we often repeat an exhortation: give God the credit that is due Him for His mighty works in His creation. The corollary is simple: do not give credit where it is not due. So one can make a silly statement about Mother Nature did this or that. It will seem fine. Everyone will understand what you mean. But why not utter the truth according to His word? The conversation that follows might permit an open discussion about the earth, how it is unique, how its presence is statistically not possible, and Who might be responsible for the next breath we take!
He loads the clouds with moisture;
He scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them
Job 37:11-12 (NIV)
