The Daily Grace - He Calls the Stars by Name

On a plateau high above the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the world's largest radio telescopes is giving astronomers a view of the universe never seen before. In an Associated Press article, Luis Andres Henao spoke of scientists from many countries "looking for clues about the dawn of the cosmos - from the coldest gases and dust where galaxies are formed and stars are born to the energy produced by the Big Bang".

The Bible celebrates the mighty power and infinite understanding of God who "counts the number of the stars" and "calls them all by name" (Ps. 147:4). Yet the Creator of the universe is not a remote, uncaring force, but a loving heavenly Father who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (v. 3). "The Lord lifts up the humble" (v. 6) and "takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy" (v. 11). He loves us so much that "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

British author J.B. Phillips called Earth "the visited planet", where the Prince of Glory is still working out His plan. Our hope for today and forever lies in the loving mercy of God who calls each star by name. God, who knows the name of every star, knows all our names as well. The God who made the firmament, who made the deepest sea, the God who put the stars in place is the God who cares for us.