Train Your Eyes To See
Photo by buian_photos on Unsplash
Life In The Midst Of Destruction
by Eric Elkin
““The kingdom of God has come near to you.””
Neil deGrasse Tyson studies the stars. He has spent a lifetime looking deep into the darkest corners of the universe, searching for answers to how things work. The search for God is not his sphere of expertise, nor even a remote interest of his. Still, it seems every time Neil deGrasse Tyson lectures on emerging discoveries about the universe, the question of the existence of God comes up.
Long before deGrasse Tyson, Carl Sagan was plagued by the same problem. These men are scientists who study physical evidence in hopes of unlocking mysteries and promoting wisdom. Why do we ask scientists about the existence of God? What makes them experts in the field?
Astrophysicists like Sagan and deGrasse Tyson get asked about God due to a belief that God is an old bearded man sitting on a chair somewhere in space. I do not believe this to be true. You will never find me looking for God in the stars. Why? Because Jesus has told us the home of God is among mortals.
“Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.”
An interviewer once asked Neil deGrasse Tyson pointedly if he believed in God. His response to the question was entertaining. He responded by saying he sees no evidence of divine benevolent activity in the natural world. The destructive power of volcanos, tornados, disease and congenital birth defects make him less convinced that “something benevolent is going on.”
I find his view narrow and cynical. While volcanos wreak havoc, they are also responsible for the land mass on which we now grow food. There is no Hawaii without volcanic activity. Glaciers nearly wiped out life, yet left some wonderful recreational lakes in their rescinding. I know many people who say congenital birth defects have provided a deeper understanding of life.
The created world and human beings can be incredibly destructive to life. Yet, they can also be unbelievably life-giving, loving, and compassionate. Can the earth be merciful? I consider abundant rain after a long drought season an act of compassion. I have learned there is life after every destructive event. You just need to train your eyes to see it.
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples with one central message. You don’t need a telescope to see a benevolent God; “the kingdom of God has come near to you.” Wherever you go today, whoever you meet, can you recognize that God is present and active in their lives? It will help you be life-giving and to see God as active in your own life.
Click to read Luke 10: 1-9
Reflection Questions:
Where do you look to see God?
How can the stars and scientific research promote spirituality?
Where do you see destruction leading to life?
How can seeing other people as having God active in their life shape your view?
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