The Power of 'The Lesser Light'
On the fourth day of creation, God created two lights: "the greater light [the sun] to rule the day, and the lesser light [the moon] to rule the night" (Genesis 1:16). It's important to note that the moon which God fashioned for us to see, while certainly smaller than the sun, isn't simply something that is inconsequential. Furthermore, the advent of the moon has nothing to do with the "accidental" collision in space which broke off a piece of a young earth billions of years ago. Instead, the creation and existence of the moon are significant and powerful for all to see.
The moon is an invaluably powerful part of our lives on earth. Scientists tell us that the oceans' tides are directly tied to the gravitational pull of the moon. High tides and low tides are important to the earth's temperatures, important in terms of keeping water on the move, and the constant moving of water is necessary in cleaning water, air, and providing the earth with an ability to "purify itself." The same God who created humans as incredible instruments is the one who created the globe with equally impressive features!
Most junior high students could tell you that the earth is titled at 23.5 degrees. Additionally, most junior high students should be able to tell you that if the earth were not tilted that way that life on earth would be impossible. The four seasons, for example, are directly tied to the tilt. A few years ago, scientists made a major discovery regarding the moon and the tilted earth. The moon is responsible for keeping the tilt of the earth stabilized. If God's "lesser light" were not in existence, the earth would move, the seasons would change, and life on earth would no longer exist!
Finally, the moon is a powerful aspect of God's creation which is used throughout the scriptures to highlight God, His greatness, and His plans. Long before scientists knew about tidal patterns, men and women who consulted the Bible could read passages like Job 38:8-11 which testify to the moon's power over ocean tides. When Job talked of the moon not "shining," he illustrated the fact that the moon only reflects light and does not create light (Job 25:5).
Each of us run the risk of gazing up, seeing the moon, thinking that's nice, and then continuing to live our lives without considering our wonderful God. Next time we see God's lesser light, perhaps we can appreciate how it testifies to the existence of a powerful and wonderful Creator. And, we can be confident in the fact that this same Creator is our Father who loves us and while taking care of the earth and those who live on it, has provided us the opportunity to one day leave this earth and spend forever with Him.