It was a “supermoon”—or so they called it on the evening news—a rare opportunity to see the moon “up close and personal”—the coincidental occurrence of a full moon at a time when it is closest in its elliptical orbit around the Earth. Only 222,000 miles away (30,000 miles closer than at its farthest distance)—appearing some 15% larger as we see it with our eyes.

Okay, so I wasn’t outside looking at it last Sunday night when others were out beholding its beauty. I was sleeping—soundly, I might add. I miss a lot of spectacular stellar events for the same reason. But, I did take a peek the next evening—in the wee hours of the early morning—and it was still kind of “super.” Looking around, I thought, “I bet I could see well enough to mow the grass!” A sleepy mind plays tricks and it was just a fleeting thought. Neighbors might not share my enthusiasm. Some may even own firearms. Besides, my wife might not be a happy camper and you know what they say about a happy wife. So, after a few minutes, I came back in the house to enjoy what most people do before the sun rises or the alarm clock belts out its unpleasant sound.

Along with the rest of creation, the heavens have something to say about the glory of God (Ps. 19:1-6). “Day four, day four…” sing our children in Bible class, when God made “sun, moon and stars galore.” God made the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night. Then, as sort of an understated parenthesis, Scripture adds, “He made the stars also” (Gen. 1:14-19). Not just amazing—beyond description. Feel pity for one who can gaze heavenward on such a night and sense no yearning for the divine Creator. God has revealed Himself—“His eternal power and divine nature”—not in some dark, secluded recess of the universe, but in broad stroke of creative genius across the moonlit sky. So distinctively clear is the message of our Creator as to render unbelief inexcusable (Rm. 1:18-20). An experienced shepherd and well-acquainted with the breath-taking beauty of the evening sky, David asked, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that you take thought of him, And the son of man that you care for him?” (Ps. 8:3-4).

How blessed we are to behold! How wise to listen! Wiser still to offer thanks to the One who alone gives life, breath, and all things!