Tuesday, November 15, 2011

That's Just the Fringe Stuff


What does it take to hold the planet in orbit? If it got out of whack, we’d all be finished. But the Earth’s orbit is true. It is dependable. What type of force does it take to keep our planet from flying out from the sun in a straight line, like a tetherball if the rope snapped? Even though this colossal force is holding the earth in orbit, yet we experience a pretty comfortable “ride” here on the planet.

How heavy are the clouds? The water vapor and ice crystals have some serious weight. If you don’t believe me just try holding a bucket of water out in front of you. Tech columnist Amit Agarwal writes, “According to scientists, the water in the little cloud weighs about 550 tons. And a bigger cloud may be around the weight of 200,000 elephants.”[1] That’s a herd of elephants over our heads… and yet they float!

What is the extent of the power being generated by ocean movement? Massive. One medium-sized breaker drove me hard into the bottom at Sandy Beach in Oahu. Two Arcadia University students estimated 6.9 GW (or 6.9 billion watts) of power could be generated in the Minas Passage of Nova Scotia alone. Nova Scotia Energy says just 2.5 GW would be enough to power 800,000 homes.[2] What level of power is required to stir up and calm the waves?

Does there not have to be a source of power equal to or greater than the power that exists?

In the Old Testament, Job (below) spoke about the power of these wonders. He attributed the enormity of that kind of power to God. “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight… By his power he churned up the sea; … “[3]

Pretty amazing stuff, huh?

But hang on. “And these are but the outer fringe of his works;”[4] Job says.

You mean this is just the outer fringe? We haven’t got to the serious power yet?

God is awesome. Trust in his Son Jesus. He cares for you.






[2] “The Potential of Tidal Power From the Bay of Fundy,” by Justine M. McMillan and Megan J. Lickley, Acadia University in Nova Scotia. http://www.siam.org/students/siuro/vol1issue1/S01006.pdf
[3] Job 26:7-8, 12
[4] Job 26:14