Observing is not a casual function. Whether we observe people or things or events, very little is learned by quick or casual interaction. The heavens are no different. Most of our work as we teach “Astronomical Observing from a Biblical View” is showing and illustrating that observation takes some time. The observation sketch of the near conjunction of Jupiter and Venus (below) is a good example. I had watched the early evening sky for days. The two planets were getting nearer with respect to my line of sight from earth. But I needed a clear night, the right conditions and circumstance to make a quick observation record. While the sketch took less than a half hour, waiting for the right evening, watching the changes take place over multiple evenings, and estimating what conditions might be best took days, many walks to different locations from which observations might be made, and finally a decision to make a sketch. Are other parts of life any different? God created time to involve us in situations, to test our mettle, to prove His faithfulness, and to let our faith or lack of it show our true belief that is expressed by action. Before we talk about the strength of this assertion, let’s review the sketch:
So it took time to select the observation time. Like many observations, it was not an opportune time. Things were happening; I was busy. However, it seemed like the right day to observe so I dropped everything else and did a quick sketch. The aircraft contrail and lights were unexpected. The light on the dome seemed like a nice frame for a simple sketch but it was not easy to record. Some late dusk light was still in the sky that was not easy to replicate on an observing sheet. When I got in the light after the sketch, what I recorded did not look right, so I had to redo it. An hour or two got added. It took time, a choice not to crumple up the paper and quit, and several corrections along the way. Then I had trouble finding the scripture I wanted to add to the sketch. In short, nothing came easy for what seemed to be an easy task at the beginning.
There is an important principle of growth that is recorded in the Bible book of 2 Peter, chapter 1, verses 5-9. In summary, it takes time to add things to faith, and they don’t take place without some interaction on our parts. The terms used in the scriptures are not comfortable or easy terms. Some of them are named, such as diligence, temperance, and patience. They don’t come cheaply or in an instant. They require something of us through situations where there is a lack of diligence, a lack of temperance or perseverance, or an absence of sufficient patience. Earlier in the chapter God explains that He has given a divine power for all this to occur, but in his wisdom it has to be appropriated through walking through things. The Christian faith has feet, therefore, on real paths of life.
For believers: If you grow a little grumpy or put out, or it seems like the world is treating you a bit unfairly, or you just plain screw up, consider the words of 2 Peter 1, humble yourself, ask forgiveness, and quietly appropriate His divine nature while you walk through the situation at hand.
I don’t say this with only words. We are wrestling with things ourselves. Some people have asked “how can you go through this again?” Does it really matter what the circumstance is? His life is meant to be found in every place, through every circumstance, and with the same end: that we might know Him. In the process, others are affected, too, because they are dealing with situations as well.
If you are not a believer, I encourage you to consider Jesus Christ. He did not just mouth a claim to be the Messiah, or the Redeemer. He demonstrated it with His walk. He did so under terrible conditions that cost His life, but He willingly gave it for us–that we might be forgiven for our sins and find a relationship with Him. With this relationship, we find eternal life, an acceptance that is unmatched, and a faith that is capable standing through things….through anything.
