To live in San Francisco is a wonderful privilege in my opinion. Not only does SF have a vibrant city culture but it is surrounded by absolutely stunning creation. Whether your watching the San Francisco Bay with clear skies overhead, taking in a sunset at dusk, or looking over the city with the moon shining bright, San Francisco can amaze anyone.
I don’t believe San Francisco in its fullness is just random chance, but instead a clear intention by God. In the book of Romans written by the Apostle Paul he says “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans: 1:20. Basically bringing up the point that the creation we experience is humanities evidence of an ultimate creator.
Golden gate park is one of the highlights of San Francisco. Set in the middle of the city, it is an amazing place of trees, grass, flowers, and water. Most of the time I don’t really think and connect the idea of God himself being seen and experienced through creation. So recently, I was challenged to spend time in the park and really reflect on God through observing His creation. It was only for a brief time but I was surprised out the insight that came out of it.
Observations about God:
God is an artist
God is about the details
Creation always look better in the light
The spirit moves as fast as the wind
We are stewards of God’s creation
Listening brings peace
Things are happening that we can’t see but must trust
Creation is meant to be in harmony
We are only stewards
It’s incredible to think of how obvious creation speaks of God and the gospel. God creates man to live in harmony with his creation in the garden of eden but that harmony is fractured when sin enters the world. The beauty we see everyday is only a small fraction of what creation was supposed to be in its fullness. But even in that fraction, God is still beckoning us to acknowledge Him as the true creator.
San Francisco is a beautiful city surrounded by incredible creation, but ultimately this city is no where near what’s coming. One day creation and humanity will live in perfect harmony and there will be a new heaven, and new earth. And there will be a “new city coming down from heaven” Rev. 21 where people, culture, animals, trees, birds, plants, all types of creation will live in perfect order. Ultimately God will dwell with his people in this new world, and we will give glory for what creation has always pointed us towards, we will give glory to Jesus Christ.