Shepherd of the stars

Lift up your eyes on high and see:

who created these?

He who brings out their host by number,

calling them all by name;

by the greatness of his might

and because he is strong in power,

not one is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

The poetry from Isaiah the prophet calls us to witness the creative and sustaining power of God by observing the night sky. It is a glorious call to worship. As I write this reflection in the pre-dawn, the last of the brightest stars are winking out with the coming of the sunrise. A crescent moon is veiled in the wisp of a cloud. And I stand, feet on this earth, eyes gazing past an atmosphere God made to sustain His world, and pondering the glory of what God created above me... a glory so much lesser than God’s own glory, but so enthralling!

The poetry Isaiah proclaims pictures God bringing out the starry hosts of the night like a shepherd leading His flock. Indeed, the universe is God’s flock. Each galaxy, composed of billions of suns, with perhaps as many planets and moons and other wonders human eyes have never seen, each of these is herded into place by God’s hand... submissive to His will... displaying His power... multiplied exponentially across the heavens wherever our telescopes can point.

Lord,

If You shepherd the stars, You can shepherd my heart. I wish to shine out Your praise and glory where You have placed me. Lead me as You will.

Amen