The earth circles the sun. Life on Earth is not only adjusted to the sun but depends on it. How can it be that life on Earth is dependent on something that is not here on Earth?
Just imagine what would happen if the sun suddenly ceased to exist:
- After about 8 minutes it would become completely dark all over the Earth
- After approximately one week the average temperature on Earth would be -18C
- Soon plants and vegetation would die
- After some time the rest of living things would die
- After 1 year the average temperature on Earth would be -73C
- As the center of our solar system is gone, the Sun, there would be anarchy among the planets, and after some time Jupiter, the biggest planet, would form the new gravitational center of our solar system
Life on Earth is dependent on something that is not on Earth
The sun provides the basic needs for life on Earth
- Food and energy. Sunlight is necessary for food as plants give us energy, particularly carbohydrates through the light-dependent process of photosynthesis.
- Oxygen and air. Light, through the process of photosynthesis, produces oxygen. Almost all oxygen in the atmosphere is produced through photosynthesis.
- Fresh water. The sun is also the driving force behind the water cycle. In this way, we are provided with a continuous source of fresh water from rain that fills lakes and rivers.
- Temperature.The sun also provides necessary heat or warmth to sustain life
Spiritual insights from the sun
Interestingly, life on Earth depends on something that is not here on Earth.
As human beings, we are dependent on other people throughout life. Our parents brought us into existence and gave us the necessary care. Having good social relationships are among the most important factors for longevity and good quality of life.
Think about all the things in your life that you are dependent on other people to have or do.
- We wake up in a bed that we did not create.
- We put on clothes that we have not made ourselves.
- We eat food for breakfast that other people have produced.
- We drive to work in a car that someone else has made, on roads we did not build.
- Most people work in a business or workplace that other people created
- Etc.
In the same way that life on Earth is dependent on the sun, so do you and me also depend on other people for life.
In the same way as life on Earth depends on something that is not here on Earth, so God is to us. Even though God is not here on Earth we are dependent on Him for life. In Acts chapter 17 Paul speaks to the people of Athens about the dependency upon God:
“He gives everyone life and breath and everything else.. in him we live and move and have our being.”
Paul (Acts 17:25.28)
So, even though the Sun is not here on Earth its effects are strongly felt here on Earth. Life on Earth is dependent on the Sun, and the Sun is the ultimate source of energy,
So also with God according to the Scripture. Even though He is not here His influence is felt on Earth. God is our ultimate source of energy. We are dependent on Him for this life and the life to come.
God is not far from any one of us
Paul (Acts 17:27)
