In a historic discovery, scientists confirmed that there is lightning on Mars, joining Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter as the only planets where the phenomenon has taken place. The finding, conducted by NASA’s Perseverance, found that Martian lightning is a low-energy form created by microscopic dust particles in constant motion, which differs from Earth’s powerful bolts.
When fine regolith is lifted by winds and dust devils, the friction among particles generates an electrical charge that discharges “mini-lightning.”
Per Science Alert, the rover captured 55 electrical discharges during dust storms and dust devils on Mars over two Martian years, equivalent to four Earth years of observation, which was announced earlier this month. According to scientists, this process could explain the reasoning behind the quick disappearance of methane from the Martian atmosphere and warns of the serious risk Mars’ dust poses to future human exploration of the planet.
As Christians, we acknowledge that God is the Creator of all things. So we shouldn’t be caught off guard when we hear stories like this because they are reminders of the power of God at work in nature. We cannot help but be in awe and give praise to our Creator, for the whole universe is His. Moreover, we can testify to others about Him and pray that God would open their hearts so that they would realize life is more than meets the eye. It is not a cosmic accident, but the tapestry of the Divine Artist, whose kingdom has no end.
Therefore, let us ask the following question: As we uncover new mysteries in the heavens, how can each discovery draw us into deeper awe of the God who spoke galaxies into being—and remind us that His creation is far greater than we can comprehend?
We Don’t Know Everything
Such discoveries should humble us because they are reminders that we are finite. There is so much we don’t know, no matter how advanced we are, and no matter how much we invite or discover. But the one thing we do know is that it is designed by God, the Creator of the universe and Author of life. As Christians, we know that God created everything and that He owns everything. Nothing is outside of His hands. These truths in mind should leave us in awe because of who God is and what He has done.
As much as we have learned about this world and beyond it, we still don’t know everything, and we never will because we are not God. Our minds are too small for His greatness, including His creation. I remember feeling this way as a new believer, just looking at creation, such as being in nature or at the beach, provided a sense of awe as I thought about how God made all this, and it is beautiful. How he did it and sustains it is beyond my knowledge, but I know that truth remains.
Overall, we must humble ourselves because no one can compare to the greatness of our Lord over all creation. It’s good not to know it all because it is not what is meant for us. Rather, it points us to Him, who is infinite and glorious. Additionally, our discoveries only display what He has already known because He created it. I think about Proverbs 25:5, where it says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” When I think about this verse, it goes to how God’s glory is revealed when we search it out, and nature is a great place to start.
Overall, the Bible says that “His ways are not our ways and our thoughts are not our thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9. So we are definitely humbled by this truth, recognizing that God is not like that. He is above all things. Although discoveries such as the one on Mars are complex, how much more complex is the mind of the one who created it? I’ve heard it said that even when we get to Heaven, we still would not be able to comprehend His glory. Yet this is the God we serve! The Lord has chosen to disclose Himself to humanity through creation so that we would be without excuse (Romans 1:20).
God Is Infinite and Glorious
In addition to our lack of knowledge, He must recognize the glory of God behind creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Think of it this way: all of life is the canvas, and God is the artist. Everything is shaped and designed according to His purpose. Nothing is made randomly or by accident because everything glorifies God. His signature is on everything, especially us as his image bearers (Genesis 1:26).
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” - Psalm 8:3-4 ESV
This is a sobering text because it shows that God has a desire for humanity above our creation. You think that’s crazy because there’s so much that is beyond us, nature, animals, and so forth. Then He set His eye on us because we are His children. Therefore, we were not made for ourselves to the glory of God. And this God, who is infinite and glorious, is personally involved in the lives of His people so that we would glorify Him continually.
The Same God Who Sustains the Universe Sustains Us
Another reason we can be in awe of God of all creation is this care and sustenance. In Hebrews 1:3, this says Christ sustains the universe by the word of His power. There’s nothing symbolic about that because it is literal. He sustains it indeed! That includes this world, that includes Mars, the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and the galaxies upon galaxies beyond it.
That is a powerful thought indeed, and what makes it even more powerful is that He sustains us to the end. I think of the words in Isaiah, where the Lord told Israel:
“Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. - Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV
Praise God who sustains us from the beginning to the end of our lives. He carries and sustains us through. As much as He cares for all of His creation, He truly cares for us as His children. As we close, I bring to mind the lyrics of the song "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin, which highlight how amazing God is in light of His creation and love to us.
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Shapla Khatun
