Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseids make the best show of the summer sky, and it is happening right now. Best viewing times are after midnight. The moon's light interferes with seeing the meteors, but the moon is waning and so by this weekend the show will be at its peak.

The Perseids appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus—thus their name. Anyone familiar with Greek mythology will know the story of Perseus killing Medusa, the horrid Gorgon whose appearance—hair of writhing snakes, dragon wings, and golden scales—turned to stone anyone who looked upon her. On his journey to slay Medusa, Perseus saved the lovely Andromeda from being devoured by a monster serpent.

I believe the constellations originally were used to illustrate the story of God's dealings with mankind. Thus I see Perseus as a corruption of the story of God's plan to send a redeemer to destroy the devil and deliver lost mankind from captivity. For me, the glorious Perseid meteor shower celebrates the Redeemer's victory over Satan and freedom from sin's bondage.