Without Excuse!

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Scripture: Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Devotion:

The passage from Romans 1:18-20 is a powerful reminder of the evidence of God's presence and attributes in the world around us. It speaks to the inherent knowledge of God in every human being, revealed through the majesty and complexity of creation. These verses serve as a call to recognize and respond to the divine power and nature surrounding us daily.

Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18). This statement emphasizes the reality of God's displeasure with sin and the active suppression of truth by those who choose to live in wickedness. The truth of God is not hidden or obscure; instead, it is plainly evident, but people often choose to ignore it.

In verse 19, Paul continues, "since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." Here, Paul asserts that the knowledge of God is not esoteric or exclusive. It is accessible and obvious because God himself has made it clear. God's eternal power and divine nature are made manifest through the wonders of nature, the vastness of the universe, and the intricacies of life.

Verse 20 further reinforces this idea: "For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." The beauty, order, and complexity of creation, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy, all testify to a powerful and divine Creator. Let us be in awe of the evidence of God's presence and attributes all around us.

This passage challenges us to personally acknowledge the evidence of God all around us. We are each without excuse when it comes to recognizing His existence and responding to His sovereignty. May we be mindful of the ways in which God reveals Himself through creation and live in a manner that honors the truth of His eternal power and divine nature.

Prayer:

            Creator God, we are in awe of your majestic and abundant creation. Truly, no one who has eyes to see the wonder and splendor all around us can deny your existence and your great power. Help us to live as your creations, a people formed from the dust of the earth whom you love so fully and unconditionally. We worship you, Lord, in the splendor of your holiness. May your praise be always on our lips and in our hearts. Amen.

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