Astronomer Johannes Kepler spoke of discoveries “as though I had thought one of God’s thoughts.”
Having briefly addressed the “singularity,” as modern scientists call it—when time, space, and matter began to exist—the Lord visits the unexplained wonders of gravity and the world appearing to hang on nothing. Then He speaks of the limits He set for the waves, and the glory of each unique sunrise. No one has helped Him with any of this, nor do they understand how He does it. We may seek the secrets of the universe, but our most important task is to wonderingly worship its glorious Creator. Much of humanity admires a Newton or an Einstein who may discover a few of God’s creative details, yet ignore the Master Inventor of Everything. But the Lord has only begun His tour. After picturing the cloud cover stretched out as protective clothing over earth’s surface (Job 38:9), the Lord takes us to examine “the springs of the sea” and explore “the depths” (v 16). But where Job couldn’t go, submersibles have unlocked these marvels, discovering that cold sea water sinks to the bottom and flows into channels under Earth’s crust. There it is heated and then, miles from where it entered, rises up again through hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, providing “the springs of the sea.” And here’s something else to ponder, Job. “Have the gates of death been revealed to you?” (v 17). Any idea how earth-bound humans step into the other world? More important than any of this, “Where is the way to the dwelling of light?” (v 19). Genesis 1 explains that light existed in the universe before the sun, moon, and stars. Of course, God lives in light (1 Tim 6:16), and Jesus is the only Way there. Once sons of night but now by grace the sons of light (1 Thess 5:5), we are welcome to live in the land where the Son never sets.