Romans 1 - Beautiful

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21)

To be able to see God in nature.

To see the beauty of God in nature.

How many of us can, or actually do?

But be careful... Nature is not God. We don't stand in awe of the beauty of nature and then bow before it.

We behold the beauty in nature, and through it, stand in awe of a Creator God who has such an eye for beauty and details. That shows He wasn't hasty when He created the world. And He definitely wasn't hasty when He created us.

For You formed my inward parts;
         You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
         Marvelous are Your works,
         And that my soul knows very well.
(Psalms 139:13-14)

Matthew 4

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:11)

The temptation of Jesus gave us a really good example of how the Word of God can help us withstand the devil and his ploys.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

and take ..., and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:20)
Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:22)

I find it amazing how the first disciples could just leave everything behind and follow Jesus. I wonder what were their thoughts, how did they feel? Were they apprehensive, or were they excited? Who did they really think Jesus was at this moment?

Change is always the hardest to go through. They have been fishermen all their lives, and just a word of Jesus, they have the courage to forsake all that they had, all that had defined their lives and themselves, and start anew with this stranger man? Amazing courage. Incredible faith.

Even now, I would still miss my classroom world, my students, and teaching in front of a bunch of kids. I would wonder if this change is for the better, and whether I would be missing out on anything that I would later regret. But the excitement of what may and can lie ahead still intrigues me... especially when you know you are not walking alone. Jesus is walking with you, if you allow Him to. Perhaps that was also how the disciples somehow felt, walking with this man Jesus.