As the creator of all things, God has sovereignly determined the meaning and purpose of everything he has made. So when he uses a creature to illustrate a particular truth about himself, that creature was designed for the purpose of that revelation. And although the earth existed before Moses wrote the Pentatuch, it was made according to the words he recorded at the inspiration of God the Spirit, who initiated the decree of God the Father through the active voice of God the Son. In a very real sense, then, Moses’ words predate the physical world that he wrote about because God’s word always precedes and defines his action. Certainly it was no surprise to God when Moses described him as a Rock, because he made the rock for that very purpose.

What does all of this have to do with the realities of everyday life? A lot. Since the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, it is vital for us to clearly see the world he has made to reveal himself to us. For it is impossible to glorify or enjoy what you cannot see, and it is equally impossible to communicate in a language you do not speak. Because God has designed the world to tell of his glory, and the words it speaks are heard with our eyes, the more visually literate we become the better we will be able to comprehend what he is saying, and to declare it to others. So how we see is vitally important to God and to us.

That being the case, what is the primary characteristic of God’s glory that is displayed throughout His Creation, that we as His image bearers are called to see and proclaim, reflecting it back to Him in worship and out to the world in stewardship? It is His beauty.