Look around your little corner of the world today. Don’t just glance, really look. What do you see? You see God’s intricate creation that he loves. Is there anything that stops you in your tracks? Maybe an exquisite sunrise (or sunset for those of us who don’t see the sunrise anymore), flowering trees, your pet’s adoring gaze, children laughing. Beauty and blessing are all around us.
In our text today, there are 3, no 4, things that have struck our writer with awe. In verses 18 and 19 we read, “There are three things that amaze me—no, four things that I don’t understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.” It’s beyond our ability to truly grasp the mysteries here. How do we respond to God’s design in his creation? We can simply sit back, humbled and admire God’s wisdom, remembering we, too, are part of this creation.
I’ve seen an eagle soar, and it is a magnificent sight. Such majesty God has given the eagle. They hardly flap their huge wings yet still glide. Oh, to be able to fly! Have you ever had a flying dream? They are such fun, and I’m afraid of heights. I’m never afraid when I’m flying in my dreams.
Have you ever wondered how the snake could possibly move without arms or legs? Where there is a will, there is a way. I think of a baby learning to crawl. How many skootches happen before the actual victory? A snake slithers and that’s its victory. God has given the snake what it needs to move about, even on a smooth surface! What a design God has made!
As for the ship example, I know that today we have all kinds of navigation equipment to help a ship so this one doesn’t seem as amazing to us. But when you think of a vessel in the middle of nowhere, no signposts to give directions, just water and more water as far as the eye can see, it is a wonder this vessel can get from one place to another.
The last example really hits home and may be the most important of all. That is, love between a man and a woman. These creatures are so drastically different in design, how they think and feel, how they make decisions. What a beautiful mystery that love could blossom between a man and woman. Romance is such a gift. In his wisdom, God gave us more than just a way of continuing the human race. He gave us love.
That love is something we should nurture and care for. It’s not a once and done kind of thing that you throw away once you’ve got the girl. Love deepens with time. Romance should be kept alive, too. It is such good nourishment for the soul, whether you’re a man or a woman. How it all works is a beautiful gift.
Agur’s list only had 4 things. I’m sure we could all add an example or two. For today, just sit back and give God the glory for his creation and all the wisdom it represents. It’s beyond our comprehension.
Let’s pray … Father God, I thank you that I can live in this world surrounded by everything you have made. There are so many things that just amaze me. Help me to always see the things around me with fresh eyes and never take one thing for granted. Thank you for a loving husband who cares deeply for me. We share such a beautiful bond that is stronger because we share our love with you. Guide me each step of every day to grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name.
