Daily Devotion

“Chinese historians have endeavored to explain the creation and origin of the world around them; but, ignorant of the sublime fact that there is one Creator who upholds his works by the word of his power, they have invented various modes to account for it, and wearied themselves in theorizing and disputing with each other.”

Samuel Wells Williams · The Middle Kingdom, rev. ed. (1883), vol. 2, p. 137

Scripture

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Reflection

In The Middle Kingdom, Samuel Wells Williams wrote that ancient Chinese historians labored to explain the origin of the world without knowing the Creator who upholds all things. This reminds us that truth is unified, and that the laws of nature and the cross both originate from the same Creator. We should reflect on whether we have ever pitted faith against knowledge due to narrow prejudices. True piety should not reject reason, but rather, like him, dismantle the walls of superstition and the unknown through the interpretation of the laws governing all things. Missionary work is not merely about transmitting doctrine, but about enlightening minds with truth and smoothing the way. When the fog dissipates, the precise order of creation becomes an "undeniable" testimony, guiding hearts from reverence for nature to worship of the true God.