DEVOTION//What hath God wrought?

The United States’ first telegraph line officially went into service on May 24, 1844. The terminals were located 60 miles apart. They stretched from inside the U.S. Supreme Court chamber to Mount Claire Railway Station in Baltimore. 

Stunning technology

The message sent that day from Samuel Morse’s rudimentary (though at that time, cutting edge) technological wonder proclaimed the wisdom and power of the universe’s creator.  “What hath God wrought?” Morse tapped, quoting the King James Version’s rendering of Numbers 23:23.

For 1844, the technology that allowed dots and dashes to flow over wires and instantaneously sound miles away was stunning. It was another evidence of our God’s awesome power. 

Stunning providence

But even more stunning was the power – and love – the infinite God showed to the nation of Israel. In Numbers 23, the heathen prophet Balaam testified about the LORD’s greatness after he tried and failed to curse Israel as the nation moved from Sinai’s wilderness into Moab.  

“No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel,” he proclaimed. “The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘See what God has done!’ (“What has God wrought?” KJV.) The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till it devours its prey and drinks the blood of its victims” (Numbers 23:21-24). 

There was no earthly reason Israel should have enjoyed the success it did. For forty years it thrived as a nomadic nation in a desert wilderness. It saw military success after success. And now it was closing in on entering the land the LORD had promised it. “See what God has done!” 

Stunning grace

Of course, the LORD’s grace and power are even more stunning. You, I, and every Christian are proof of that. He has brought us out of slavery to sin, bought us for himself, and adopted us as his children. In his immeasurable love, he sent his Son to earth to win our forgiveness and provide us with eternal life at his side. His grace empowers us to face life by giving us hope, help, and heaven. 

“What hath God wrought?”  Morse had every reason to express his praise of God. We have more. Be stunned by his grace and power. Rejoice in it. Thank him for it.