“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:14-18
“When I look at 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
[The LORD] determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.” Psalm 147:4
“All things were created through [Jesus] and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
Oblong panes across the way flicker with strange light, changing every few seconds, now off, nothing to watch in the dark pre-dawn. On again, TV blinks another try. But I, I am outside under the soft wind chimes, mesmerized by other stars, the real stars of fame. The longer I gaze, the more I see– a scattered few, now dozens, twinkling bright and majestic against indigo at this early hour, from horizon to deepest space, diamonds strewn on black velvet. Each has a name, a place. Each is sustained by supernatural power. A brilliant planet is also suspended, mysteriously and incomprehensibly spinning, as am I, in its orbit around our unseen sun. What can rival this celestial display?
There are some sources in this world here below that supply news, enlightenment, or entertainment, and they can be selectively chosen. But there is the rich resource of God’s creation that elevates the mind and feeds the soul, heavenly lights that order seasons, determine times, and instruct, displaying God’s order, sovereign control, exquisite beauty, and inestimable love for mankind.
As the golden orb that rules the day ascends, paling the sky to periwinkle, the stars fade and seem to disappear, like so much of the Lord’s grandeur as we approach our day and focus on the many things we now see to do. Once exposed to this famous array and its Creator, and have been given dominion over it and crowned with glory and honor as royal priests ourselves, how are we then to enter our days, and behave? How will we display His brilliance in the way we love and serve, speak and work? (Psalm 8:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9)
It is God who determines name and fame. It is He who sustains us and our purpose in the place He assigns. He fills us with holy light and love so we shine like stars in this dark world. Am I looking and learning? (Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 5:5; Philippians 2:15)
Lord, draw me to Your heavenly quiet and still, where I behold and relish your incomparable mastery. Then shine through me.
As the rain and snow 