ODJ: shredding spaghetti
July 19, 2011
You have forgotten the Lord, your Creator, the One who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth (v.13).
READ: Isaiah 51:12-16
In a recent debate, Christian mathematician John Lennox argued for the reality of God with atheist scientist Richard Dawkins. In his writing and speaking, Dawkins will often talk about the “Flying Spaghetti Monster” as an analogy for belief in God. His point is that since God’s existence cannot be proven, it’s as ridiculous to believe in Him as in a levitating pasta creature.
Isaiah lived during a time when God’s people were facing a monstrous enemy. Due to their rebellion and disobedience, God allowed them to be invaded by the Babylonians—brutal enemies who cruelly carted them off to captivity. God said, “You have forgotten the Lord, your Creator, the One who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth” (51:13). He declared that He alone was worthy of their worship and devotion because He is over all things.
God is the One who “stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar” (v.15). Every aspect of the natural world reflects His perfect design and providence. “The work of [His] fingers” (Psalm 8:3) is plain to see. Isaiah could boldly declare God’s reality because He knew Him and recognized His reflection in all created things. He also knew that God had given him the words to speak and that he was safe in His hand (v.16).
John Lennox shows that same confidence. When Dawkins argued that if one stumbles upon a garden in a forest, he should simply appreciate it without having to believe in “invisible fairies hiding behind the flowers,” Lennox stated, “Of course you wouldn’t have to believe in fairies in the garden, but you would assume there was a Gardener, wouldn’t you?”
As Paul said, “Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see His invisible qualities” (Romans 1:20). His reality shreds spaghetti monsters and dispels invisible fairies. —Tom Felten
What gives you confidence in God and His reality? How will you more boldly present your faith this week?
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