God’s Care for All Creation

Deism is a philosophy that believes in the existence of a supreme being but does not believe that this being is engaged with the universe. The god of deism created all things and then stepped back to let creation run according to its own laws. We might describe this god as the world’s absentee landlord.

Today’s passage offers a very different view of what God is like. The God described in Psalm 104 is both the creator and the sustainer of the universe. Instead of being absent from creation, the God portrayed in Scripture lovingly cares for what He has made.

The Bible is clear on the question of the earth’s origin. The earth and all that is in it were made by God. He created both the heavens and the earth, as well as all those who dwell in them (see Genesis 1–3). Among these are the heavenly beings, described as “messengers” (v. 4). The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews reveals that this verse is “speaking of the angels” (Heb. 1:7).

God did more than create the earth and those who dwell on it. He also made provision for their needs. God supplied the means for our survival, including water for the animals, grass for cattle, and plants for people to cultivate so that they could produce their own food (vv. 10–14). Although we must labor to provide for our needs, the ability and means to do so come from God. He is the one who “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (2 Cor. 9:10). This is part of God’s love for His world. “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things” (vv. 27–28).

Pray with Us

Please add to your prayer list these members of our Theology Department faculty: Marcus Johnson, John Clark, and David Finkbeiner. May the Lord strengthen them in their work of building strong biblical foundation in the hearts of our students.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.