Romans 1:20 (NKJV) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
Sir Isaac Newton was a brilliant man. His mind was, perhaps, one of the greatest to inhabit a man’s head in all of human history. A man of science whose contributions paved the way for those to follow, Newton’s works still guide and shape the thinking and understanding of most with in the scientific community yet today. That is a remarkable statement. What most people do not know about Newton is that he was a devout man of faith. In fact, part of his work was devoted to an attempt at proving the existence of God through mathematics. Surprised? I was.
Newton was unsuccessful in that endeavor, but that is inconsequential, at least to Newton anyway. You see he believed. He knew the truth. His motives were of an evangelistic nature. He wanted to prove it to the benefit of those who couldn’t get there on their own. Newton devoted his life’s work to understanding and developing scientific theory and law. This life’s work, however, was not to his glory, but always to the glory of God.
In the twilight of his life, Newton was being honored for his illustrious career and contributions to the scientific community, the world really. He was being honored for his brilliance. When he got up to speak, his response to these accolades were as humble as I’ve ever heard. He stated, that despite all his achievements and forward thinking, when he stands upon the seashore and gazes across the vast expanse of water, he understands that no matter how much knowledge he procures here, it is but a drop in that ocean compared to the knowledge and understanding that awaits him in his heavenly home.
When you find yourself struggling to understand what you are reading in scripture, or are having trouble seeing the big picture and understanding the what and why of God’s plan, it’s alright. We’re not supposed to. As long as we draw breath and tread upon this earth, we won’t get it all figured out. When you find yourself wrestling with that, becoming impatient and frustrated, remember Sir Isaac Newton. Remember, that even he didn’t figure it out, but understood perfectly that he didn’t need to. Have a blessed weekend.