Moved By The Moon
Long before I ever realized my calling to be a minister or pursued an avocation as a nature photographer I wanted to be an astronaut. I was a child during the 60s and closely followed NASA’s space program. I dreamed of one day being able to go to the moon. Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the first journey to the moon. I was thirteen when Apollo 11 landed on Tranquility Base but still vividly remember watching the events unfold on a black and white television. It was a truly inspiring moment.
For many people simply looking at the moon and the stars on a clear night is a moving experience. It can also be a religious one. In Psalm 8 David wrote, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you care for him?” He both begins and ends this psalm with the words, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
I suspect most Christians can relate to the Psalmist’s reflection. Observing a full moon, looking at the planet Saturn through a telescope, or marveling at the vast expanse of the Milky Way on a cold winter night can be a very humbling experience. Actually, there is much in nature that creates in me a sense of humility. I have felt humbled by the majestic Grand Teton mountains, the roar of calving glaciers, and viewing the northern lights. In those moments I have felt quite small and wanted to say with the Psalmist “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
I have no doubt that one reason God made the world so beautiful and amazing is that He wanted us to remain humble and in awe of Him. It sure works for me!
–Chuck Summers