Most people can appreciate something beautiful, but a person’s world view makes an astounding difference in the effect of what is seen. A full moon is a common sight. It is so common that most people hardly notice it. Many observers view it with disdain because it marks the rise of so much light that deep sky objects in the heavens cannot be seen very well. For others, the full moonrise is full of superstition.
God’s view of his own creation is intensely dramatic. Beginning at creation, he announces each day’s creative work as “good”. God vividly paints a picture of the wonders of his handiwork in the earth, sky, and oceans as he confronts Job. In the New Testament, the authors, moved by the Holy Spirit, recorded how Jesus described many of the attributes of his own creation to illustrate truths about the Kingdom of God, such as the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 or the mustard seed as it relates to faith (Matthew 13). The psalms are frequented with praise by describing attributes of his created universe. The beauty of his creation is announced throughout the Bible.
With these things in view, I took a short time to watch and sketch a moon rise on still and sultry summer night. With a pair of binoculars, I could see the piercing gold through the trees until it emerged over them. Perhaps I am just like a little boy–still amazed at simple things. However, I rather think that he has made me appreciate of what he has made because it’s like an announcement of himself, the maker of the scene. And, it shows his love for me, because he wants me (or anyone) to appreciate the beauty of the moment. I tried to capture a little of it on sketch paper.
An hour later I looked at the northeast part of the surface and found the crater Neper. After sketching it, I also looked at the same area with a telescope and high power. It was a good night to give thanks, and to praise him for his wondrous works.
In technical terms, the observation and sketch were just after full moon. One can tell this because the northeast region has already begun to “wane” or the crater Neper that was so boldly viewable would not have been so dominant. In any case, it was a fitting way to end the evening.
Praise him sun and moon,
Praise him, all you shining stars
Psalm 148:3
(NIV)
