Are Only Large Things Important to God?
BY HAROLD L. FLEMINGS
DECEMBER 1993
The earth is an infinitesimally small speck in the vast universe. Our sun, as
large as it is to us, is like a drip in an ocean of stars fanned out over a vast
expanse. For some, the idea that God is interested in anything happening on this
inconceivably small place in the cosmos is ludicrous. Several centuries ago
before man determined that a huge universe with billions of stars surrounded
him, the earth was certainly physically bigger in his mind than it turned out to
be. The more sobering reality is that, from a physical point of view, it barely
registers when compared with everything else. Now, how could God possibly be
concerned about earth matters?
It may surprise some that the Bible itself acknowledges the diminutive nature of
the earth and man upon it. Comparing the Creator to the earth, the prophet
Isaiah wrote:
"Who has measured the waters in the mere hollow of his hand, and taken the
proportions of the heavens themselves with a mere span and included in a measure
the dust of the earth, or weighed with an indicator the mountains, and the hills
in the scales?... Look!
The nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales
they have been accounted. Look! He lifts the islands themselves as mere fine
dust. Even Lebanon is not sufficient for keeping a fire burning, and its wild
animals are not sufficient for a burnt offering. All the nations are as
something non-existent in front of him; as nothing and an unreality they have
been accounted to him." (Isaiah 40:12-17)
The metaphors here convey an unmistakably clear message; the earth is less than
that which would be barely noticeable figuratively standing next to Jehovah.
Another scripture makes a similar argument:
"When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that
you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of
earthling man that you take care of him?" (Psalm 8:3, 4)
Yes, why would God even be bothered with such a small creature when you consider
the stars and all?1
The level of interest in any production is demonstrated by what was invested in
the production. Any person visiting the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris
will be struck by its design, detail and presence. Probably no one will doubt
that a greater than passing interest was concentrated on building this
architectural phenomenon. Conversely, a neighborhood strewn with empty soda cans
and plastic containers that have been discarded measures the interest that the
residents have in a clean physical environment. What we like gets our attention,
no matter its size.
Does the earth give evidence of an interested Creator? Consider the design and
engineering that went into a human ear or eye. Look at the art found in an
orchid. Even at levels which are microscopic to humans, which microbiologist has
not marveled at the kaleidoscope of intricately designed life forms? Nothing
seems to have been overlooked in the earthly creation. From the tiniest to the
largest objects, we are faced with a wide range of colors, forms, patterns and
organizations. It certainly seems that someone had more than a casual interest
in this tiny speck called the earth. The size of the earth did not seem to
matter.
When we turn to the Bible yet deeper levels of interest are found. The Bible
clearly spells out how God purposes to rescue mankind from sickness, sorrow and
death and create a better world than the present one. (2 Peter 3:13, 14;
Revelation 21:1-5)
The person who feels that the size of the earth in the universe defines its
importance has applied his own standards to the question. What undercuts his
conclusion is the heavy investment of life, consciousness and organization
coated with a wide range of colors, textures and designs. Yes, Jehovah God is
interested in the earth - very interested as the evidence shows.
Endnote:
1. It should not be overlooked that the Bible predated science on this view of
the physical comparison of earth and man to the rest of the universe.
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