Friday’s Launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 Rocket
Our family had the privilege to spend the day at Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida. In addition to seeing the museum and experience the thrill of NASA, we wanted to see the SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket shoot into space to deliver a new communication satellite. We had our seats in the Banana Creek Viewing Area as the clock got to T-0:47 seconds. At that time, an auto-abort was called and the launch postponed until the following day when it did shoot into space. Although disappointed the actual launch did not happen that day, the whole experience was a great blessing for our family.
The entire sequence of events brought two thoughts to mind from Psalm 103.
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear HIm.”
“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Ps 103:11, 17).
God’s Mercy Is Greater
When the psalmist looked up into the sky, he had no way of measuring the vastness of them – the atmosphere and the universe. All he could see was an incredible sun that ruled the day along with the moon and stars that ruled the night. They had never been nor had sent anything into the earth’s orbit. All they knew is what they could see. They knew one thing for sure – it’s a long way! However far it was, it is a long way between the earth and the heavens.
His response under the inspiration of the Spirit of God: for as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God’s mercy toward those who fear Him. What an incredible thought for your day. Friend, if you love God, respect Him, and have a personal relationship with Him, then this is great news for your day. God’s mercy is greater than anything you face today. His mercy is greater than your sin. His mercy is greater than your weakness. His mercy is greater than your suffering. His mercy is greater than your doubts, disappointments, and discouragements. God’s mercy is greater! For as the heavens are above the earth, great is God’s mercy.
God’s Mercy is More Dependable
The Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket was set to launch on Thursday, May 11, 2018. We arrived early like they suggested. We had our seats. There were thousands there to watch it go off. The MC of the day told the crowd that it all looked good. If we get to within 30 minutes and you see the puff of white, that’s a great sign. That was the first of several things we were to watch as the countdown clock got closer and closer to liftoff. As it melted down to T-1:30, he told us to quit watching the clock and quit watching our phones and to keep our eyes peeled on the rocket just over three miles away from us. He said to prepare to hear an incredible thunder after watching it begin to lift in the air. As good first-time spectators, we did what he asked us to. The crowd began to get tense as it went below T-1:00. I was so excited. And then it happened. The clock stopped at T-0:47 seconds, not to be restarted on that day at all.
Disappointment? Absolutely. We were so ready. Only 47 seconds until liftoff. But nothing.
That’s not true though my friends when you consider God’s mercy. The psalmist wrote, “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children.” Again, my friends, think how incredible this is. God’s mercy that is greater than anything in your life is also totally dependent. Unlike rockets that are supposed to launch and everything else in life – like people, jobs, relationships, churches, friends, family, and so much more, God’s mercy is dependable. It is from everlasting to everlasting, which means it is forever. Why? Because God is a covenant faithful God that never breaks a promise.
Whatever You Face Today…
I don’t know what you face today. I’m not sure what kept you up last night. I don’t know your worries, fears, uncertainties, disappointments, and concerns. But this is what I do know…God’s mercy for you today is greater than any of those things and you can count on it. Take a moment to let that sink into your soul. Allow those also 20 words to soothe your heart. Pray them with gratitude to God. Say them with the confidence of God’s faithfulness. Name your concern and then say to yourself, “But God’s mercy is greater and I can count on it.” Friends, God is worthy of your worship and contemplation as you face your day. Rejoice and rest in His mercy which is greater for those who have a personal relationship with Him – guaranteed.
Pastor Kevin’s Blog | Walking together through life as friends in Christ sharing wisdom along the journey
