Who doesn’t enjoy wandering through the woods, looking out over the desert, walking along an ocean shore, or standing on a prominent hill just before sunset? God’s handiwork shines everywhere you see the beauty of nature. What we see now, however, is damaged by the ravages of thousands of years of sin.

Imagine what Adam must have experienced when he first viewed creation fresh from the Creator’s hand. Every tree Adam climbed, every lion cub he stroked, every rock he skipped on the Tigris River must have radiated something of God’s glory. But no plant, animal, or jewel compared with the wonder of Adam caring for the Garden, conversing with the Lord God, and listening to his wife’s first songs.

The wonders of nature have immense worth because God created them. But the human race holds an incredible place of honor within the universe. [Psalm 8] Why? Because you and I are made in the image of God.

Of course, sin has ravaged more than nature. The human race has been infected with this fatal disease. Thankfully, through Jesus Christ you can receive forgiveness of sins and the sure hope of new, eternal life. Have you received God’s most marvelous gift? If not, pray and do so today.

This is Luis Palau.