Thoughts From The Eclipse
John A. Smith
With great anticipation, Americans are looking forward to the total eclipse tomorrow. It amazes me that this event can be so precisely predicted and so far, in advance. Not only have astronomers predicted the exact time of this eclipse, they are predicting other eclipses into this and following centuries. I find that amazing. But, how is that possible?
On the official NASA website, the following can be read, “On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights - a total solar eclipse. This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun's tenuous atmosphere - the corona - can be seen, will stretch from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun's disk. NASA created this website to provide a guide to this amazing event. Here you will find activities, events, broadcasts, and resources from NASA and our partners across the nation.” (www.eclipse2017.nasa.gov).
On the same NASA website, you can find some amazing information that even someone like me can understand. They provide a history of eclipses in the past and predict future eclipses. In fact, they list every predicted eclipse for the duration of the 21st century and where they can best be seen. If the eclipse bug has truly bitten you, then you won't be able to wait until the next North American total solar eclipse in 2024. Serious eclipse chasers are now planning for the succeeding total solar eclipses in South America on July 2, 2019, again in South America on December 14, 2020, and in Antarctica on December 4, 2021.
It is clear that our solar system is orderly. It operates according known, predictable laws that govern its operation. If this were not the case, these predictions would not be possible. Were it not for these existing, known, reliable laws of nature no one would know what the weather would be like tomorrow much less when the next solar eclipse would occur. The same scientists who predict these amazing events, tell us that our universe came about by a giant explosion billions of years ago (what exploded and where that matter came from they have no idea). These men tell us that our universe is held together and operates without the assistance of a designer or governing being.
Have you ever seen anything that became more organized as a result of an explosion? Ask Aunt Gert’s chicken who unfortunately sat on an explosive device that was thrown into their pen and see what they might say. And yet, these scientists who deny the existence of a Creator God and Divine governing force espouse that position. Believing in an unseen God is not believable, but believing in a universe exploding and becoming predictable operating by known laws is. Excuse me while I pause and scratch my head! What does the Bible have to say about this matter? Paul asserts in 1 Cor. 14:33 that our “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” The order, design and precision of our solar system powerfully declare this reality. Our universe operates according to precise astronomical laws. This is why rockets can be launched to the moon and directed to land within feet of their intended target. This is why solar and lunar eclipses can be forecast centuries in advance.
Sir Isaac Newton, a great scientist and believer, often discussed his views concerning God with an infidel friend. Newton had a skilled mechanic make a replica of our solar system … cogs, belts … turned crank and they moved in perfect harmony. Placed on a large table in his study. His infidel friend visited and was amazed by the precision and beauty of Newton’s model of our solar system. “Who made it?” Newton’s infidel friend declared the designer and creator of the model had to be a genius. Newton answered, “This thing is but a puny imitation of a much grander system whose laws you know, and I am not able to convince you that this mere toy is without either a designer or maker. Now tell me by what sort of reasoning do you reach such an incongruous conclusion?”
Our orderly, well-designed universe cries out for an intelligent, powerful Designer, Creator! As you observe tomorrow’s eclipse, give praise to the Creator and designer of our universe.