A witness

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. – Acts 14.14-18

As Paul and Barnabas moved into some of the Hellenistic cities they encountered a serious problem. The people saw the miracles they were doing, but instead of turning to God they tried to worship Paul and Barnabas. The saw them as the manifestation of Zeus and Hermes!

They tried to persuade the people. They turned to God as the Creator but who allowed people a choice. But, they said, He did not leave Himself without a witness. He does good, He controls creation, and He meets our needs. This description of God’s natural revelation to man reminds me of Pslam 19 and of Romans 1. Psalm 19 speakers of how the heavens declare the glory of God and Romans 1 about how God’s invisible attributes are seen in His creation.

Maltie Babcock was an athlete and later a pastor. Every morning he would go for a run to ‘see his Father’s world’ and be reminded of who God is. This is the witness that God leaves with us all. Pastor Babcock’s words ought to be a challenge to us all.

This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning 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:
Oh, 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.