BIOLUMINESCENCE!!!

  Bioluminescent Plankton photo by Joanne Paquette, South Coast Beach Australia.

I was a good Presbyterian, but I did not know the Lord!  In my 20’s I had the opportunity to join the Merchant Marine and travel halfway around the world three times on merchant ships.  We were in the South China Sea.  It was dark and I noticed that the wake of the ship was glowing with blue light!  I was seeing bioluminescence for the first time!  It was extraordinary and God got my attention!  

Bioluminescence is caused by the presence of single celled organisms that light up when disturbed.  Researchers believe they light up as a defense against predators.  The sudden flash of light illuminates their predators who then are exposed to their own would-be predators and swim away.  This light display is very rare.  If you want to see one, check out the video link below.                                                                    

The light these organisms produce is from a light emitting compound named ‘luciferin’ and wouldn’t you know someone named it that based on the Latin word ‘lucifer’ which means light bearer!  Luciferins are a class of small-molecule substrates that react with oxygen in the presence of a luciferase, an enzyme to release energy in the form of light.  
(Very complicated).  It is another of God’s inventions and an example of the many wonders of God.

‘You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.’  Psalm77:14.

Jesus said, ‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself.’  
John 12:32.

I believe that bioluminescence, sunsets, sunrises, the sun sparkling on water, reflections, drops of dew, ice coating trees in an ice storm, (especially at sunset), the Aurora Borealis are all created to ‘draw us to Himself’, as He said He would.  

He drew me to Himself through the beauty I saw around me, including bioluminescence and I am reminded of a song called ‘Build My Life’ by Housefires.

There is no one like you
There is none besides you
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who you are and fill me
with your heart and lead me
In your love to those around me…

ARE YOUR EYES OPEN IN WONDER?

If you want to see bioluminescence for yourself, click on the following link:
‘Incredible Bioluminescence in Australia’, a video by Filippo Rivetti.