SOME FUNDAMENTALS - THE CREATOR AND THE CREATION
No doubt every reader of this paper would gladly acknowledge the truth of the eternal existence and almighty power of God. "He that draws near to God must believe that He is" (exists) "and that He is a rewarder of them who seek Him out", Heb 11: 6. In His eternal Being He is absolute, the selfexisting One. As to the universe He is supreme, Head above all.
The first verse of the Bible tells us that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" and this is followed by a detailed setting out of what is called the six days of creation. Scientists who attempt to discredit the Scriptures overlook the possibility of a considerable period between verses one and two of the first chapter of Genesis. We know that the earth was not waste when God created it (see Isa 5: 18). The speculations of the human mind as to evolution bring no joy or peace to the soul. No, it is much easier to the simple and unbiased mind to accept the truth of Scripture that God is the originator of all. We begin with God in His infinite wisdom and power, and then by faith we apprehend that the worlds were framed by the word of God. All is simple to faith.
In the detailed working out of the creation the first thing brought in was light, then order and control, and the earth was set in relation to the sun and moon. The land was provided with plant and animal life, and the waters with living creatures of every kind. Finally, Man was distinctively formed by God in His own image and likeness and placed over the whole earth and all the creatures in it. Everything was wonderfully completed so that God pronounced it very good and rested from His work.
Very early in man's history Jehovah spoke to Job about the Pleiades, Orion and the Bear (see Job 38: 31,32) and no doubt the reminder of these constellations made Job feel how small he was in the presence of the Creator. Then about the same time God led Abraham forth and showed him the myriads of stars which He had made. We too can gaze at the stars in the heavens and wonder at the divine power which created and upholds them, all known and named by Him. Correspondingly, we can observe the detailed wisdom and skill of the Creator's hand in the minute beauty of tiny creatures of the earth.
The contemplation of the glory of the Creator may well produce worship and praise, and the testimony in creation to the eternal power and divinity of God renders men inexcusable (see Rom 1: 20). The Psalmist wrote, "When I see thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has established; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" , Ps 8: 3,4. Elsewhere he says "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made", Ps 139: 14.
When we come to the New Testament we find that creation took place by the instrumentality of the Son. By Him were created all things. John tells us that "without him not one thing received being which has received being", chap 1: 3. This should fill our hearts with worship to Christ, who as Man has come so closely within our range.
W.E.Ellis
THE CHILDREN'S GEMS
The only place in the Bible where this little word for jewels is used, speaks of "a bag of gems". Over twenty various precious stones are mentioned in God's word so that if we had them all together it would be a very valuable possession. Yet this is just what we have in the Scriptures! Each stone reflects heavenly light in some distinct colour and they all appear even more beautiful when set in the right way. That is why we speak of the 'setting' of a verse or passage of scripture.
For pearls and corals men have to dive deep into the sea; rubies, diamonds and other stones have to be won from the earth. The miner, whose work is described in such detail in the book of Job chapter 28, must use light and energy before "his eye seeth every precious thing". It is like the obedient believer exploring the Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God. Read the epistles of Peter and see how many things are described as "precious"!
The crown jewels of Jesus are to be seen at all times by the believer, without payment. They do not need to be guarded by human means and there is a perfect guide to them in the first two chapters of the epistle to the Hebrews.
The crown of Jesus is not now one of thorns but one of glory from God and honour from His own heavenly hosts. His sceptre, the symbol of rule, is one of uprightness. Nothing has been left unsubject to Him so that He rightly bears the orb of world dominion. Loving righteousness and hating lawlessness it rejoices His subjects that He is anointed with an oil of gladness.
The throne of Jesus is for ever and ever because in His person He is the Son and all God's angels worship Him, but He reigns as Man. You may remember reading that Solomon's throne had a footstool fastened to it. So with Jesus it must be that His enemies are made a footstool for His feet and nothing will disturb the peace of His reign.
It is a sign of loyalty to kiss the hand of an earthly ruler. The word of God says "Kiss the Son" and it is blessing to put our trust in Him. Have you owned the Lord Jesus as King now?
J.C.Evershed