Perspective in God's Universe

Theblogprof today had a great posting about Creation. He's got some great graphics over there, but I want to focus on a few thoughts it sparked in my own mind:

• God's Creation, the universe, is incredible. From the smallest subatomic particles (about which we can still only theorize) to the grandest groupings of galaxies (some of which we can hardly see), and from the tiniest structures of the cell to the astonishing complexities of living creatures, there is much for us to be awestruck. Any idea that all of this could have evolved is simply futile—it speaks to a Creator. (See Genesis 1)
• There is only one thing God created in His Own image: Mankind. Consider these verses from Genesis 1: 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. We should feel both humbled and honored.
• It was to mankind that God gave dominion over His creation. Continuing in Genesis 1: 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [Side political note: No hint of Cap-and-trade here]
• It was to mankind that God sent a Savior, as we see in one of the most-loved passages of Scripture, John 3:14-18:

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Be encouraged at what God has done for us!