We had a great time watching the solar eclipse – it was an amazing event. The moment the moon completely covered the sun there was a collective exclamation of amazement as we were enveloped in darkness in the middle of the day. It was so brief yet so amazing.

I recently read Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. He explains why this is such a phenomenal event, “Earth’s Moon is about 1/400th the diameter of the Sun, but it is also 1/400th as far from us, making the Sun and the Moon the same size on the sky—a coincidence not shared by any other planet–moon combination in the solar system, allowing for uniquely photogenic total solar eclipses.”

The Psalmist realized the wonders of heavens as he gazed into the starry sky,

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)

He was overwhelmed by the heavenly sights, yet God revealed to him that man was not insignificant, but special in God’s sight,

Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! (Psalm 8:5)

The universe may seem overwhelming to us. As Tyson writes, “The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.” Tyson also makes this unbelievable statement, “There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on any beach, more stars than seconds have passed since Earth formed, more stars than words and sounds ever uttered by all the humans who ever lived.”

I can’t wrap my mind around declarations like that. When I come home from the beach with the children, it seems that we’ve brought a few galaxies of sand with us in just one trip. Do we realize that our God is sea of infinite substance? He created the entire universe and yet He cares for you and me.

Tyson asks the question, “How did all of this begin? He concludes, “A prime mover. In the mind of such a person, that something is, of course, God.”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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