Seeing the night skies for many people is like a taste of the unsearchable. Perhaps scenes on the earth are too common, so the same reaction does not bubble up so quickly. There is nothing like a beautiful night sky scene, even if it is as simple as a moonrise in clouds, to cause a return to the question, “How can this be?” So men and women struggle to find an answer as the scenes grow deeper, farther in space, and farther from the present reality on earth. Theories on theories are suggested, but origins is not the realm of science. Rather, it is in the realm of history. So where do we find its answers?
God is so bold to provide written information on creation. He says in the New Testament that what we see is not created from what is visible (Hebrews 11:3). In a manner of speaking, scientists and cosmologists agree as their struggles to devise how the universe came to be through existing observable processes are hopelessly lost in exceptions to existing laws and grand assumptions that somehow create the complexity of the things we have observed in space. Something as simple as an equation to produce the first known particle are beyond reason.
On the other hand, God is direct. He commanded creation. The Genesis account, which is his but delivered in such a way that a people could record it for us, is clear, succinct, structured, and deliberate. For many people, the first taste of the question, “how can this be?” starts with the nearest planetary body: the moon. Children usually start there, because it is relatively easy to see. Then a few hundred years ago, optics were discovered so we can see its surface. The August 9 and 10 oils of two craters (Tycho and Schiller) show what can be seen at 300 power.
Tycho is a popular crater to observe and sketch because it is large and prominent. This particular summer night was hazy but the scene was still beautiful. God speaks about the moon in Genesis in large terms: its purpose. He made it large enough for us to enjoy: from moon rises or sets to the details of its surface. When we travel to needy regions or even places in the modern USA, if we set up a telescope in a public place to observe, it draws people–most of whom have still not spent any time looking at it through a telescope. We may not be able to see at this power, but even a small scope will show craters like Tycho.
When the moon is near the center of its cycle (near full moon), Schiller is easy to see. It always reminds me of a ‘pear tomato’ because of its shape. Like Tycho, it is large and not hard to see.
The same power level can bring galaxies, star clusters, and nebula into view. The discovery possibilities are endless. But the issue comes down to the same question, “How can this be?”
It is because God created it. He knows that the heavens are and will remain beyond the limits of our searching abilities. My goodness, what a treasure trove to investigate! Even if we only skim the surface of the ‘treasure chest’, every step can be exciting!
So people will continue to struggle with origins, especially if God is left out of their equation. But he is more than delighted for those who have a mind and heart to know him to observe and discover what we can, because he termed the 4th day of creation “good”. It is there in large part so we can discover…and discover…and discover yet find it unsearchable in its extent. The moon is the beginning. What is beyond can be touched a little bit, and he beckons us to dive into space as deeply as we can go. It points to Him, his awesome power, his attention to detail, and his special purpose: that we might find Him, the Author of it all.
Jeremiah 33:3 ”Call to me and I will answer you and tell you of great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Hebrews 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son [Jesus Christ], whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.”
Technical note: the oil paintings on wood for Tycho and Schiller were done “live” during the observing times noted. In addition, both observing times were conducted online using Night Skies Network, so others could observe and perhaps develop a sketch while I painted. The broadcast part of the observing is being further investigated so we can have friends in developing regions on the other side of the globe be able to vicariously use our equipment during our night time but their daytime. The painting of the moonrise is clouds was done at another time but the final touch up of the painting was only recently done. It is much more common to use pencils or pastels for observing, but we are trying to discover new ways to do things. All three originals were done on paint-sealed wood pieces about 7-8 inches square. Roland Beard Aug 20, 2011
