Comment By Torchlight

Space Mishap

The failure of the Apollo 13 Moon-mission and the hazardous four-day return journey of the three astronauts will go down in history as an epic of human courage and endurance. As the crippled spacecraft sped earthwards there were grave fears that disaster was inevitable, and there was much prayer on behalf of the astronauts and the men at the control centre. When the splashdown took place there was widespread relief that the incredible journey which went so disastrously wrong had ended without loss of life.

On this page in September 1965, commenting on "Space race", we wrote: "Where will it all end? Will some great catastrophe occur to halt man's audacity and once more expose his limitations? Or will the mounting expenditure in men and money become so crippling that the race will be abandoned?" Such questions as these were posed in the Press as the fate of the three astronauts was in the balance, and one wonders what would have been the reaction had the men failed to return safely. However, immediately after the splashdown, President Nixon issued the following announcement:

"The imperilled flight and safe return of the crew of Apollo 13 were events that humbled and inspired people all over the world. We were humbled by the knowledge that in this stage of man's exploration of space, a safe splashdown of an imperilled mission is in its way as successful as a landing and safe return from the Moon. We were inspired by the courage of the crew, the devotion and skill of the members of the team on the ground and by the offers of assistance from nations around the world".

Shortly after the astronauts' safe return Dr Thomas Paine, head of the U.S.A. Space Agency, stated that the exploration of the Moon would go on. He said, "It has been brought home to everybody that advances in this field of knowledge, as in any other, are not gained without some personal risk". He forecast some delay in the launching of Apollo 14, at present set for October 1, while the cause of the catastrophe aboard its predecessor is found. After the long run of remarkable successes, the failure of Apollo 13 was a rude shock to public opinion, but the authoritative statements given above indicate that further Moon landings will be attempted. There will, no doubt, be growing apprehension as preparations are made for the next blast off, and the anxiety and tension of the wives and families of the astronauts will be greatly increased. Such considerations should provoke sympathetic prayer by God's people.

As men explore and uncover the secrets of the universe we have increasing cause to wonder and to worship. He, whom we own as Saviour and Lord, has in His wounded hands the disposition of all things:

"0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past tracing out! ... For of Him, and through Him, and unto Him, are all things. To Him be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11.33,36).

Quietness and Confidence

"In returning and rest shall ye be, saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength"

So wrote the prophet Isaiah (30.15) and his words have a perpetual relevance. In this restless age quietness is a scarce commodity, but for spiritual and mental health we need the healing balm of silence in God's presence. The pace of modern life saps our energy, and unless we make use of "the quiet time" we shall expose ourselves to spiritual and mental exhaustion.

In the days of His flesh our Lord frequently withdrew from the multitudes to the solitude of the desert. These times of quietness for prayer and communion were necessary to the service of the Perfect Man. In this, as in all else, He was the perfect example, and we are called upon to "follow His steps". In service for Him seasons of quietness are necessary to sustain tranquillity of mind and spiritual power. When His disciples were in danger of becoming overburdened with service our Lord instructed them: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat" (Mark 6.31). Let us heed our Master's word.

Oh keep each heart at leisure

From all the world beside,

In close communion ever

Thus with Thee to abide;

So all Thy whispered breathings

Of love and truth to hear,

And hail Thee with rejoicing

When Thou shalt soon appear.

unknown | Jun 1970
Comment By Torchlight