Sunset on the Java Sea

Numerous times I have travelled from Jakarta to Makassar (Ujung Pandang), the capital of South Sulawesi (formerly known in history and geography as Celebes). The flight across the Java Sea ("Laut Jawa" in Bahasa Indonesia) travelling from Jakarta east to Makassar takes about two hours. As one looks down upon the Java Sea on a clear day he may see the beautiful variation of colors below--emerald, turquoise, blue, and all shades in-between. The Java Sea is usually very calm. From time-to-time as one looks down upon it from the air, one will see coral reefs in all shapes and sizes. Many people travel to Indonesia for the purpose of diving and exploring many of the reefs and atolls. The seas of Indonesia are filled with all forms of life.

In Makassar, which is known for the production of gold, one may stay in a hotel across the street from the shore of the Java Sea. In the evening, one may sit in his hotel room and look west out the hotel window at the sea as the sun begins to set. As the sun drops lower and lower in the sky each moment changes the complexion of the sea and the land. As the night begins to darken in the east behind you, the sun appears to drop lower in the west, and the Java Sea seems to swallow the slowly sinking sun. As the sun begins to sink below the horizon it seems to grow much larger and turns a deep fiery orange color. Huge brilliant sunrays shine high in the sky from below the horizon. What an astounding view! Then, everything becomes dark, and one begins to pick out the lights of small houses on nearby islands and ships on the sea as they seek the harbor and safe haven. One may begin to see the small lanterns of little fishing boats as the night fishermen throw out their nets. They may stay out all night fishing for their living. Such is life on the Java Sea near South Sulawesi.

Ps 92:4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Ps 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.