GOD GIVES US A COLORFUL WORLD
“The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn.” Exodus 38:18
What comes in boxes of 8, 16, 24, 48, 64, 72, 80, 96, and 120? Crayola Crayons. In 1903 the Crayola Company introduced a box of eight colored wax crayons for kids to enjoy. Today there are 120 Crayola colors. Some scientists believe most people can see as many as 10 million different colors. Everywhere around us we enjoy colors like the changing color of the sky, the prism of color in a rainbow, or the indescribable colors in flowers.
When God created us he placed special receptors in our eyes called cones. Each eye has about seven million cones. The cones distinguish the different colors we see. Humans have three different types of cones that can distinguish red, green, and blue. Some animals have more types of cones and some have less than people do. Cats and dogs have only two types of cones so they see blue-violet and yellow-green colors. They see color much like a person who is color blind. Birds, however, have four types of cones so they can see even more color than people do.
Why did God bless us with the gift of color? If God wanted, he could have made everything in boring black and white. God gave us colors for the same reason he gave us different sounds, smalls, foods, and textures. God’s love wants our world to be a joy filled place to live.
The Bible often mentions color. In Exodus, God told the Israelites to make the curtains for his tabernacle with blue, purple, and red yarn. Those colors were also used in the people’s clothing. In the book of Acts we meet Lydia who was a seller of purple cloth. The Bible says our sins are red like scarlet, but when Jesus washes them away we become as pure white as wool. The Bible also says that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over us as we rest in his green pastures.
There are two colors we will all wear someday. The Bible says in heaven we will be dressed in white gowns washed clean by Jesus blood. On our heads we will wear a golden crown. What a brilliant sight that will be!
Today take notice of the colors God shows us. Make a list of them, and tonight when you go to bed, thank God for that blessing!
Lord, we give you thanks for the beauty of the world we live in. What a precious gift we have in the myriad of color all around us, from the ever-changing sky, to the flowers, birds, and butterflies. Teach us to appreciate the prism of color you place before our eyes every day. What a thoughtful God you are! Amen.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer