LAST WORD
On September 7, 1982, I found myself standing before a tree in a mountainous region of Africa. This tree was unlike any I had ever seen.
The tree, in its entirety, seemed to be a manifestation of God’s presence. Everything about it was extraordinary—the delicate flowers, the meticulously pruned fruits, the leaves crafted with mathematical precision. Each element silently proclaimed that it had not arisen by chance but was brought into existence by a Creator. While every tree in the world is a marvel of craftsmanship, this particular one, encountered for the first time, made an indelible impression on me.
As I gazed upon this unique and beautiful tree, I instinctively murmured, “It feels as though God has inscribed on everything He created in this world: Made by God.”
God has imprinted this on all creation, then veiled Himself from human eyes, so that through His works, people might come to recognize Him. Despite His invisibility, His presence in the world is unmistakable.
Just as an expert can examine a machine and discern whether it was made in Russia, America, Britain, Japan, China, or Vietnam, so too can one perceive the origin of the universe’s countless natural “machines.” We inhabit a universe brimming with these natural mechanisms, each performing its role flawlessly. This vast and magnificent universe is in perpetual motion, filled with meaningful activity at every moment. Modern science reveals that despite the universe’s boundless expanse, it remains a harmonious system, governed by a single, all-encompassing force. Every component is intricately interconnected, leaving scientists awestruck by this universal harmony, which defies complete explanation.
Although these “machines” do not visibly bear the stamp of their Creator, their extraordinary design and flawless operation unmistakably declare their origin. Creation itself speaks of its Maker. The stunning design, immense order, and profound purpose evident in the universe bear witness to an intelligent, omnipotent God. Without such governance, the universe would collapse in an instant. The perfect harmony within the cosmos is only possible because its Sustainer possesses supreme intelligence and absolute power.
While no physical words are inscribed on anything in the universe to identify its Creator, in a deeper sense, every aspect of creation bears His mark. For those with discerning eyes, each observation prompts an undeniable realization: “This is undoubtedly made by God. No one else could have made it.” As Professor Carl Troll (1899-1975), a distinguished German geographer, ecologist, and geomorphologist, famously remarked:
“The fruit of my life as a scientist and geographer is to have become more and more deeply grateful to our Creator.”
