I recently read a book that talked about the miracle — that the very existence of life on Earth —really is. A few decades ago, scientists estimated that were a mere two factors necessary for a planet to support life. Now that list is up to 150 necessary factors!
This may be a little scientific, but hang with me. The mass of Earth is so precisely fine-tuned for life that it is almost beyond comprehension. The mass of Earth directly impacts the gravitational forces. The larger the planet, the stronger the gravity. Inversely, the smaller the planet, the weaker the gravity.
Now consider this. The molecular weight of methane is 16 g/mol. The molecular weight of ammonia is 17 g/mol. The molecular weight of water is 18 g/mol. Methane and ammonia in higher concentrations are deadly. Obviously, water is necessary for life. Now, Earth’s gravity is so finely tuned that methane and ammonia dissipate into the atmosphere but water remains close to the surface!
In order for life to exist on Earth, among the 150 factors identified so far by scientists, we need a planet just large enough to keep the water, but small enough to dissipate the methane and ammonia.
That’s amazing! It says in Romans 1:20, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
Next time you take a drink of water or take a breath of air, remember God precisely sized Earth to support life. What an amazing Creator we worship!
Amazed,
Josh
Posted in A Word from the Pastor