The Eagle Nebula (M16)

Thanks to advancements in astronomy, we are now able to see incredible images of God's handiwork. Images like this: the Eagle Nebula.

Also known as Messier Object 16 (M16), the Eagle Nebula is located in the constellation Serpens, near Sagittarius. The nebula has an approximate size of 70x55 light years. The brightest star within the nebula, which is 7,000 light years from earth, is visible with a good pair of binoculars.


If you look closely at the Eagle Nebula, you will see tall columns of gas stretching toward the center of the nebula. Astronomers call these columns "pillars of creation." The below picture is of the top of one of those columns.

Now, look closely at the column. Do you see what appears to be finger-like plumes at the top of the column of gas? Astronomers call those "egg" (Evaporating Gaseous Globules) factories. The gaseous clouds serve as star incubators.

As you look at those finger-like, gaseous protrusions in the below "pillar of creation," consider this. Each of those fingers, according to astronomers, is about the size of our solar system.


The God who made the Eagle Nebula and what secular scientists have dubbed the "pillars of creation," is the same God who led millions of people on an exodus through the desert almost 3,500 years ago. And he led them by pillars as miraculous as the ones found in the Eagle Nebula.

"The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people" (Exodus 13:21-22).

The word "pillar" is mentioned several times in the Bible--most notably when Lot's wife disobeyed God when she turned and looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah. "But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:26).

The same God who created the pillars found in the Eagle Nebula; the same God who lead Israel by pillars of smoke and fire; the same God who exacted instantaneous judgment against Lot's wife for her disobedience, is the same God before whom you will stand one day. How will you fair on that day?

On that day the God who created fingers of gas the size of our solar system will point a holy finger at you and judge you according the perfect standard of His moral Law. "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

Will He find you innocent or guilty? If your not sure, answer the following questions.

How many times have you pointed a finger at someone and expressed anger, ridicule, or hatred toward them? If you have done this, then according to God's Law you are a murderer-at-heart. "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15).

How many times have you pointed a finger at someone and accused them falsely, or pointed a finger at someone and lied to them in order to pridefully defend or exalt yourself? If you have done this, then according to God's Law you are a liar. "And all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8b).

How many times have you been angry at God and pointed your finger to the heavens and blamed Him for your circumstances, or taken His holy name in vain? If you have done this, then according to God's Law you are a blasphemer. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7).

How many times have you pointed toward a man or a woman and said to yourself, or to others, that you wanted that person in a sexual way. If you have done this, then according to God's Law you are an adulterer. "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

If the above is true about you, then the Creator of the Universe sees you as a murdering, lying, blasphemer, and an adulterer-at-heart. Because God is good and holy, he must punish sin. And the punishment for sin (and all sin is against God) is eternity in hell.

Remember, God's standard is moral perfection. "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it" (James 2:10). No matter how much you may try to minimize or justify your sin, even the slightest violation of His Law--slight in your mind--makes you guilty before the infinitely Holy God and worthy of His judgment and wrath.

Although this is tragic, there is good news!

God the Father sent His sinless Son, Jesus Christ (God in the flesh), to take upon Himself the punishment you rightly deserve for your sins against God when He shed His innocent blood and died on the cross.

On that great and terrible day, God the Father pointed His finger at God the Son and crushed Him under the weight of His just and holy wrath--the wrath you deserve for breaking God's Law.

Three days later Jesus Christ forever defeated death when He rose from the grave--a miracle seen by no less than 500 eyewitnesses.

So, what must you do to be saved from God’s wrath and judgment? Recognize that you cannot save yourself. Repent (turn away from your sins) and put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. You will pass from death into life and receive the free gift of eternal life.

The God who created you; the God who created the heavens and the earth is the only God who can save you. Please consider these things carefully. Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read the Bible every day and obey what it says.

Oh. One more thing. The next time you see a picture of the Eagle Nebula, or if you happen to see it someday through a telescope, consider this.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:31).