This is the view of the earth above the Pacific Ocean (Courtesy of NASA). In the very cold darkness of space, she hangs suspended like a warm, inviting planet; the only one we know of in existence. Can you sense the privilege we have of viewing our beautiful world from this vantage point? There are billions of people of history that did not possess the technology in their day to provide images we see and enjoy today. We often lose the sense of wonder surrounding us living in a fast-paced world of our own making, often referred to as "the rat race." We have to beat the competition in every aspect of life, don't we? It is hard to be in awe and appreciative when we travel at the speed of blur.
Often in the pursuit of knowledge, position, and riches, we lose sight of the fact that our tiny planet is the crown jewel of the universe, for it is the only celestial body known to have life within the hostile environment of space. We are crazy and reckless not to be more responsible in taking care of our only home in the big U!
Small-mindedness is seen when we stake our claim to greatness and build our kingdoms, and what is our fiefdom in comparison to the earth or the immense size of the universe? Remember these words of Jesus,
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul" (Mk 8:36)?
This is about foolishly letting go of something of inestimable value for something worthless; it is a tragic waste of a life. If Jesus would leave the splendor of heaven to come to an unholy world to provide a way for that soul to be rescued (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8), the soul of every individual must be of great value in God's eyes. The greatest tragedy is for a soul to miss the glory of heaven and to be separated from God forever.
There is really no profit of owning all the world has to offer, for there is no value in it, and the world is passing away (1 Jn 2:17a). Setting aside for a moment on what the world can offer us, consider its diminutive size in comparison to other celestial bodies and the infinite-like expanse of space. This may get a little nerdy or geeky, but the numbers are astonishing! It gives a new meaning of small-mindedness in the world we live.
Did you know that 1.3 million earths could fit within our own sun? Earth's diameter is an average of ~7,900 miles; our sun, which is considered an average sized star, has a diameter of ~864,000 miles. It is claimed that from earth to the edge of the observable universe is 46.5 billion light years; double it to get its diameter. Remember, light travels ~186,000 miles a second. In a year, light will travel ~5.9 trillion miles!
The equatorial circumference of our planet is 24,874 miles, but polar circumference is 24,860, a difference of only 14 miles. And the total surface area of the earth is ~197 million sq. miles. Water occupies 71% of the earth's surface (~139,870,000 sq. miles), leaving only 29% for land (~57,130,000 sq. miles), with over 7 billion people to live on the 29% of the earth's surface!
If you or I was king over all of the earth's surface, we know we will leave it all behind to someone else one day, but if we also die without Christ, what could we offer to buy back our soul from perdition (Mt 16:26)? For one thing, there is nothing because we would have nothing to offer God who owns all of creation, and second, there is nothing tangible that is of equal value to a soul; it is nonexchangeable, non-negotiable, and infinitely invaluable.
Given the incomprehensible size of the observable universe, the stretch of space occupied by earth becomes an infinitesimally unknown variable, particularly for us who do not think mathematically in terms of exponential notation as scientists do daily. Since the size of the universe is unknown, any possible proportion of space being occupied by earth would be incorrect. The earth is but an incomprehensible infinitesimal speck in creation, what is man in comparison to the earth, to the universe and beyond? It is ridiculously un-relatable!
When comparing the size of space that the earth occupies to the seemingly infinite reaches of the universe, it naturally generates the question of the significance of our existence, doesn't it? Since we are the only known life in the universe, I would say that makes us unique and significant, at least to some One I know, even though we are far smaller than a diminutive “speck.”
Whenever I look into the heavens or read of the immensity and wonders of outer space, I tend to lose perspective very quickly, but fortunately, I always seem to maintain my sense of awe and appreciation of its incomprehensible size and beauty. It is marvelous and breathtaking to see God's handiwork (Psa 19:1; cf. Psa 139:14).
This terrestrial "ball" that we live on is almost sphere-shaped, but is a bit flat at its poles, making it an oblate spheroid; recall that the polar circumference is 14 miles less than the roundabout of the equator. We know our geophysical whereabouts.
Within the diameter at the equator of 7,926 miles and the diameter from pole to pole of 7,898 miles, with a mean radius of the earth at 3,959 miles, we can all be found occupying some GPS position or very close to it. I can be located, at the writing of this article, at 35°8΄33˝ N 84°54΄35˝ W on this speck.
When we see the earth in relationship to the universe and see our relationship to the earth, we come to a similar question David pondered under inspiration, perched upon this earthy speck,
"What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him" (Psa 8:4; cf. Psa 144:3)?
While David observed the heavens created by God (Psa 8:3), he was flabbergasted that God gave man, who was weak and mortal, responsibility over the earth (Psa 8:6), but he also felt his own insignificance in relation to God's universe, "You are mindful of him," but also he was amazed that God would not only take notice of him but pay him a visit, too, "You visit him."
There are Messianic overtones here (cf. Heb 2:5-9), but the point I want to make is that God loves us in spite of the overwhelming differences between a very small us and a very large creation that makes His supreme creation (Gn 2:7, 22) appear insignificant, as well as, the immense chasm separating sinful man and the holiness of God! God, not man, spans these differences, but significance and fellowship are only realized in personally receiving through faith God's provision for man's redemption (cf. Eph 1:7; 2:8-9); the awe and wonder expands.
Though converted, I still feel a certain intimidation when I contemplate the physical size as I gaze into the heavens or looking at the topographical features of the earth. Being in awe is spiritually healthy for us, for we see the power and wisdom of Yahweh which invokes a healthy dose of reverential fear. I am thankful to be His son.
Life goes by so fast (Jas 4:14). It pays for us to slow down and look up and around, now and again, to be in awe and appreciative of God's creation, to proverbially, "stop and smell the roses." You will be glad one day if you practice these things.
Getting back to what this world has to offer; I am reminded that things outside the will of God will never produce significance and intimate fellowship with Him. Genuine happiness will never be found in kingdom building: accumulating wisdom, power, and riches for personal gain, for that is all passing away, right? Read again 1 Jn 2:17a; I love 1 Jn 2:17b.
There is a vacuum within every heart that does not know Jesus and just being in awe and inspired is not going to fill it for all the nature lovers out there. This hole in the heart can only be filled by Jesus through faith in Him. Who is Jesus? Well, the Bible has a lot to say about Him, but He is my Lord and Savior who happens to be the Creator God of all of this you see and don't see (Col 1:16).
Once He comes into your heart, you will change (2 Cor 5:17) and see creation differently (Jn 9:25), with a fresh, clean, good, and right kind of perspective that aligns with Scripture. We also discover that the real crown Jewel of the universe, spiritually speaking, is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col 1:27). <><
