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He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Psalm 147:4
STARS
God’s intimate interest and involvement in His creation is an awesome wonder. The theologians call this attribute God’s immanence. In our verse today, we see YHVH God not only numbering the stars, but He also names them. Our God has set the sun, moon, and stars in their respective orbits on the fourth day of creation; and He made them to govern days and years for signs and seasons (Gen 1:14-19). If the LORD has given that kind of attention to the stars of the sky, how much more valuable are the details of our lives to Him, His redeemed? Our Lord Jesus taught His disciples that not a single sparrow can fall to the ground apart from the sovereign will of the heavenly Father (Matt 10:29); and then He adds,
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31
This is not only encouraging and praiseworthy, it is also spiritually motivating, as Christ’s words were a part of His instruction to the Twelve when He commissioned them to preach the gospel among the Jews for a brief season during His earthly ministry (Matt 10:5). The angels or messengers to the churches in Asia Minor are shown to John in his vision as stars in the right hand of the glorified Lord Jesus (Rev 1:20). We should recognize that it is in the Lord Jesus’ right hand to which every believer is placed, a hand from which no one is able to snatch them out (John 10:28); and that He calls each one of us by name (John 10:3). Yes, you and I are stars, the brightness by which the idols and idolaters of Hollywood can neither approach nor attain. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
God counts the number of the stars;
And calls each one by name;
Blest is the comfort that is ours
‘Cause Christ had suffer’d shame.
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
11/14 Reading Portions: 1 Chronicles 3-4; Hebrews 9; Amos 3; Psalm 146-147
