2 Timothy 1:10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Paul says something profound here.

The grace of God has now been made manifest through the appearing of Jesus Christ.

People often say they feel closest to God in nature. Some say they would rather walk through the woods on a Sunday morning or stand beside the ocean than sit in a church service. And there is some truth in what they mean.

Creation does speak about God.

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

The mountains, oceans, forests, and skies reveal the power and creativity of the Creator. Anyone who has watched a sunrise over the water or walked through a quiet forest has felt that sense of awe.

But nature only tells part of the story.

A thunderstorm rolling across the ocean also speaks. An earthquake shaking the ground also speaks. A hurricane tearing roofs from houses also speaks. Creation reveals the power of God, but it does not clearly explain His grace.

That is why ancient cultures feared the forces of nature and tried to appease the gods they imagined controlled them.

The love of God is not explained by a mountain range or a blue sky.

It is revealed in Jesus Christ.

It is a little like trying to understand a painter only by studying his paintbrush. The brush may tell you something about the artist’s tools, but it does not reveal his heart. To understand the painter, you must look at the painting he deliberately created.

Jesus is the clearest picture of the heart of God.

At Calvary we see what nature cannot explain. There we see the love of God reaching toward a broken world, offering forgiveness and life.

Creation shows us that God exists.

Christ shows us what God is like.