It is winter, the temperature is about 6°C, but the sun is shining in a cloudless blue sky and here I am standing on a superb beach. The waves are gently breaking on the sand, the sea itself is almost still, seagulls are effortlessly wheeling about and there is a long black strip along the shoreline – hundreds and hundreds of oystercatchers. The salty ozone is wonderful to breathe and the sand is kind to my feet. In fact, it is picture perfect!
Much has been said in the Media, particularly since the Pandemic began, about the benefits of nature and mindfulness for our mental health and wellbeing and we have all been encouraged to go out whenever possible as the fresh air and exercise is really good for us, which of course is, but can nature itself actually save us? True, it can make us feel better in the short term, but can it give us a real hope of eternal life? The blunt answer is no …… unless we realize that behind all the wonders and beauty of nature is the Lord God who created it. The very first verse in the Bible says –
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” Genesis 1 verse 1
God gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for this sinful world, so that we can have a true hope of everlasting life –
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”
John 3 verses 16 and 17
Undoubtedly, the natural world is wonderful and can raise our spirits for a brief time, but no amount of stunning scenery can teach the essential truths contained in the Bible about the Lord Jesus Christ who will bring health, peace of mind and everlasting joy when He returns to this earth and that will happen very soon as world events testify, so now is the time to start reading the Bible to learn about this marvellous hope.
“…………. the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”.
2 Timothy 3 verses 15 – 17
