A Lot of Stars!

Recently I finished reading a book that I received for Christmas entitled, “Star Gazers: A History of the Telescope,” by astronomer Fred Watson. The book highlights not just the development of the telescope since its earliest years (e.g., Galileo), but as well the discoveries of the universe that have been made because of its development. Towards the end of the book the author states, it is believed that our universe is made up of approximately 100 billion galaxies, each made up of approximately 100 billion stars. That’s a lot of stars! 

In Genesis 1 we have the description of the creation of the world. We are told that on day four God “…made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night.” And then we read this phrase: “He also made the stars.”  Such a short and simple phrase that one can almost miss when reading the passage. After all, our focus tends to be on the sun and moon. Yet we are told that God not only placed a sun and a moon over our earth, but “he also made the stars”—100 billion x 100 billion stars! It’s an amazing testimony to the creative power of God to think of him creating galaxy upon galaxy, creating star after star after star! 

The psalmist wrote, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4 – ESV) In other words, considering the huge expanse of our universe with 100 billion x 100 billion stars, we as human beings are really just tiny specks. Compared to the vastness of a seemingly unending universe, man is so very small. Yet, God is mindful of us, loves us, and cares for us. In spite of how very small we are in comparison to the rest of the universe God has loved us enough to call us into relationship with him—and even sent his One and Only Son to save us and redeem us. 

For me, this is an incredible word of encouragement. It’s a reminder that although our world might seem so big and so complicated, and the problems that come into our lives can seem so incredibly huge, there is a God in heaven who peers through our vast universe and takes note of everything that is taking place in our lives. The same God who created our world filled with 100 billion x 100 billion stars sees us, loves us, and calls us to himself. 

It’s no wonder the psalmist began that very same psalm almost shouting out, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”  (Psalm 8:1) He’s a God who is truly worthy of our praise! 

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris