Enchanted World

The world is drenched in God. What is so unfortunate is that many followers of Jesus (so-called or actual) fail to see this fact. So many times our discussions and presentations of the Story of God and Man begin with the Fall of man, how all things are screwed up and sinful, how we, as part of that Fall are a complete mess, and how the world is jacked up in so many ways that we just want God to come and take us away from it all. The problem with that way of seeing things is that it isn't biblical. Not by a long shot. You see, the Story begins in Genesis 1, with a loving God creating a beautiful, engaging world and populating it with all manner of rhythm and life and shalom. He gives humanity charge over it, to care for, tend and protect. That is where the story begins: with all things being pronounced "good." This is the vision of the kingdom. This is the hope of the gospel, that we are all created with the God-image stamped in us and no one has lost that image, no matter how far it may have sank underneath our sinfulness. It is our Father's world, an enchanted world full of life and beauty, hope and peace, and picture after picture of the kingdom coming to light.

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world! The battle is not done;
Jesus who died, shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one!
This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad!

shalom, matt