“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” — Colossians 1:16
We are about to begin our study of Colossians (July 11 & 12). In the opening chapter, Paul describes Jesus Christ as the Creator of all things. The Sun, Moon, and stars are a marvelous part of His Creation. And certainly one of the most fascinating examples of that Creation is a total solar eclipse.
My family and I witnessed a total solar eclipse in a field outside Rexburg, Idaho, on August 21, 2017. It was undeniably astonishing.
Let’s do some eclipse science. (These numbers fluctuate slightly.)
- The diameter of the Sun is approximately 865,000 miles.
- The diameter of the Moon is approximately 2,160 miles.
- That means the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon.
- The distance from the Sun to the Earth is approximately 91million miles.
- The distance from the Moon to the Earth is approximately 229,000 miles.
- That means the Sun is also about 400 times farther away than the Moon.
Since the Moon is 400 times smaller but 400 times closer, it appears almost exactly the same size as the Sun in our sky. This allows for a total solar eclipse.
In the naturalistic model, many people often consider this alignment an extraordinary coincidence. Astronomer Mark Gallaway said, “It’s a beautiful coincidence … we’re living in this little window of time where they are happening.”
Not By Chance
However, from a biblical perspective, eclipses are never the result of chance. The God who created the Sun and Moon also determined their size, position, and movement. Genesis 1:14 tells us that God made the heavenly bodies for signs and seasons. Additionally, Psalm 19:1 says that the heavens declare His glory.
As we begin Colossians, remember that Jesus is not merely a teacher, prophet, or moral example. On the contrary, He is the Creator and Sustainer of everything we see. The same Lord who perfectly arranged the Sun and Moon also governs every detail of our lives.
When we look at Creation, our response should not simply be amazement at how the universe works. But also worship of the One who made it. If Christ can orchestrate the movement of heavenly bodies with such precision, we can always trust Him with the circumstances, challenges, and unanswered questions in our own lives.
Total solar eclipses are not ultimately about the Sun and Moon. They are, however, an example of Creation pointing us to its Creator.
Marveling at Christ,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor