Daily Devotions
(The LORD says) “… They shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar — the LORD of Hosts is His Name. Jeremiah 31:34b-35
On Wednesday, March 13, the largest ground-based telescope on earth was dedicated at Atacama Desert in Chile.
According to the press releases, this telescope, costing $1.3 billion, is a cooperative venture of interested parties from North America, Europe and Asia. Furthermore, it is a technological marvel, making 66 separate antennas function as one. This all will be done so humankind can be given a peek into the most distant places of the universe.
It is hoped the telescope will give insight into the birth, life and death of stars and planets. To reapply Captain Kirk’s monologue from Star Trek, it is believed this telescope will “boldly go where no man has ever gone before.”
The idea of such far-reaching exploration is fascinating.
What I find even more fascinating is that when humankind looks out into the unexplored universe they will find God has already been there, and He is looking back at us. Even more, we are privileged to see a great miracle in the limitless power of the Lord of Hosts, who, even before time began, and beginning with nothing, gave light and substance to stars and planets.
But wait! There is an even greater miracle here.
The Triune God who created everything has also put into place a plan by which humankind can be saved. Not just content to create, God has also given His Son so that His once-perfect, but now-sinful children might be forgiven, saved, recycled and redeemed.
Through Jesus’ life, through His death and wonderful resurrection, God has brought a spiritual light to our sin-darkened souls. Through Jesus’ work we have been saved from sin and the devil. Because of Him, the grave no longer has threat or sting.
Now what I’ve just shared cannot be perceived by any man-made telescope, no matter how big it may be. On the other hand, God’s grace can be seen most clearly if anyone will take a look at Jesus’ Bethlehem manger, His Jerusalem cross, and the borrowed and empty tomb.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, humanity is proud that technology has allowed us to see further and go farther than previous generations could have imagined. We pray You will now grant us a spirit of humility. Let us realize that no matter how far we go, You will already have been there. Most of all we ask for a heart that worships the Savior who lived, died and rose to win our eternal salvation. In His Name I pray it. Amen.