Confounded by the Glory of God?

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge. (Ps.19:1-2).

The infrared instruments upon NASA’s Cassini spacecraft have discovered a planetary aurora over Saturn that is unlike any yet to be seen. This blueish green aurora is similar to the Earth’s northern lights, yet it is completely different and unexplainable. The scientist who are receiving this data through the instruments upon the spacecraft are “confounded” because it “it behaves unlike any other planetary aurora known in our solar system.” One scientist studying the phenomena said, “Our current ideas on what forms Saturn's aurora predict that this region should be empty, so finding such a bright aurora here is a fantastic surprise.” There are other auroras observed on other planets where they are caused by the magnetic fields of particles trapped on those planets or solar winds but what they are observing on Saturn is unexplainable and does not relate to what they have previously discovered about other auroras. It is constantly changing and sometimes disappears within a 45 minute period of time. The scientists are confounded and mystified.

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing…Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isa.40:25-26, 28)

Man’s telescope is blocked from view and his discoveries and explanations cannot apply understanding. He is confounded, mystified and surprised for a time until God allows a window into his ways. The heavens declare the glory of God and he speaks of his eternal power and divine nature so that we may see his creative and sustained works and marvel at his might and beauty in worship and trust. Whatever you may be confounded by, mystified or surprised by God is not and just as he creates and governs the beauty of the heavens so he has created you and governs all things in the heavens and the earth to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes (Rom.8:28). Therefore wait for the LORD by looking up and out in wonder and with repentance and faith and walk in his strength in Christ by his Spirit.