God's Calculus Cameo

God made a guest appearance in my calculus class today. My professor was attempting to explain the concept of limits approaching infinity. If you have never taken a calculus class, then just pretend you know what this means. I would explain it to you if I had any grasp of the mathematical world. As far as I can discern, my professor is not a believer. But today he said something rather peculiarly God-glorifying. He gave the following example:

I recently saw a map of the universe. The map was oval-shaped, and it charted various galaxies and astronomical bodies in relation to each other. But this map really does us a great disservice – it shows only the universe within this oval shape. How many of you really believe there is a boundary to the universe? What happens if I go to the end of the universe and take another step? Apparently I expand the universe.

When he asked how many people in the class really believed that there was a boundary to the universe, not one hand was raised. Perhaps this is not shocking when you take time to think through it, but it is revealing. And it is beautiful: though we may not be able to wrap our minds fully around the idea of an infinite universe, it is still easier than believing in a finite universe. Today, I praised God as a classroom full of likely unbelievers unknowingly testified to God’s infinite nature. How may we say that something infinite has been created by something finite, or by nothing at all?

Rather, I concur with Ezra, and say to God: “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you” (Nehemiah 9:6). Ah, not only has God created all of this infinity, but also He preserves it; “he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). And yet His hand sustains not only the infinite universe as a whole, but me individually.

I agree with David, and proclaim: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). I love that I can read this passage and recognize that “mindful” is bit of an understatement. Yes, even that God is mindful of me is amazing – but how much moreso that He is merciful and gracious and just. He is not merely mindful of me – He sent His Son to die in my place.

And I believe God, when He says directly: “Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host” (Isaiah 45:11-12).

Thank You, God, for illustrating Your infinite nature to me today. Thank You for reminding me that You are present even at the lowest point of my day (calculus class), directing my gaze once again toward You. Thank You that all of creation testifies to the glory of Your name!