No 39

(The Universe)

If you have ever been camping, on a clear night the sky seems to have ten times the number of stars that we see out of our homes in the city. It’s not that there are more stars; it’s just that there is less light “pollution” out in the country. I was reading an article recently about how a group of astronomers discovered that beyond a certain point, like 10 billion lights away, that there was nothing. It seemed as if there was an end to the universe. This was all done mathematically and with a lot of scientific instruments and all very theoretical in nature.

But do you know what? This is in perfect harmony with what the Bible says. In Psalm 147:4, we read: “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.” There is a limited number of stars; they are not never-ending as we have been taught in school. Science knows a lot about the universe, but based on what we know of our heavenly Father, they have just scratched the surface. The very distinguished Christian author, CS Lewis wrote is his masterful book “Mere Christianity” about the universe and man’s quest to find the whys and wherefores. This is what he said and I quote “Supposing science ever became complete so that it knew every single thing in the whole universe. Is it not plain that the questions “Why is there a universe? Why does it go on as it does? Has it any meaning? would remain as they were?”

CS Lewis is right and of course they would remain because God has a purpose that is beyond our comprehension. The book of Isaiah says it pretty well “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8,9). Just as there was a beginning (Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1), there will be an end (2 Peter 3:12 and Revelation 21:1).

Getting back to camping, here is a funny story about Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. Watson. They were camping out in the country and they were both contemplating the sky with its millions of stars. Sherlock Holmes turns to Dr Watson and asks him the following question: “My dear Watson, what do you think of all the stars that are in the sky tonight?” Watson thought out his answer a few moments and answered: “Well, astronomically speaking, we are in a solar system among millions of other solar systems in the universe. Theologically speaking our planet is among eight others (now seven) that were created by God almighty for His glory and although we are very small in comparison, He has taken every step to ensure our survival. Meteorologically speaking, there is a good chance that tomorrow will be a sunny day since there are no clouds in the sky.” Dr Watson asked Sherlock Holmes: “Mr Holmes what do you think about them?” To which Holmes answered “someone has stolen our tent.”