Last night we learned of one of the most tragic and saddening deaths of perhaps this young century. Steve Jobs, the founder and CEO of Apple passed away from a several year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve Jobs’ influence in the world of technology is one that simply cannot be regarded with anything else but praise. Jobs took a fledgling desktop computer company called Apple in the early ’80’s trying to compete against giants such as Microsoft and IBM and turned it in to one of the world’s most valuable companies at the time of his death. After being fired once from his post at Apple, Jobs is widely remembered as the Comeback Kid success story of the business world. Under Jobs’ guidance and brilliance, Apple has created some of the most amazing computers and devices the world has ever seen, from Macintosh computers, iPods, Macbooks, to the revolutionary iPhone. Apple products have long set the standard for industry change while also raising the bar aesthetically as well. Steve Jobs will be missed by all those whose lives have been impacted by Apple in any way, shape, or form. The world has lost a true visionary and genius. My prayers go out to the Jobs family; may they find comfort and peace in their Creator in this time of intense grief and sorrow.
But this post is not about Steve Jobs. This post is about Someone else. That someone knows a thing or two about creating beautiful things and being a revolutionary and genius. He also happens to be the creator of ALL things, including Steve Jobs. He is the Sovereign Creator of the universe…God. While all the things in this world may hold a unique beauty, they all declare something about the One who created them. Humans for example are created in the image of God. Our primary purpose in life is to model God with all the things we do with the gifts He has given us, our brains, our talents, our ability to think and reason, our creativeness, and our emotions. All of those are gifts from God and were meant to be used to say something awesome about the One who endowed us with those gifts.
Our God’s beauty is on display all the time in nature and the beauty of the heavens. Have you ever been stargazing on a clear night and been captivated by the sheer beauty of the cosmos? It’s an amazing feeling because you are gazing at the beauty of God and his wisdom and power. God is the source of all the beauty in this world and we, as His image-bearers have the responsibility, and the privilege, of giving Him praise as we behold it. Martin Luther once said “All of a Christian’s life is one of repentance.” While that is true I think in light of the truth of God’s beauty and wisdom, and power we should also say “All of a Christian’s life is one of praise!” He alone is worth of all our praise.
to live is Christ... 