Images of the distant cosmos sent from the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope give humanity a view of the universe never before seen. The images reveal amazing detail, right down to tiny bursts of light which are galaxies containing trillions of stars. The Webb Telescope is specially tuned to see light at longer wavelengths (infrared light) than can be sensed by the human eye. This gives it the ability to look deep into the universe, detecting events some astronomers say occurred over 13 billion years ago. Astronomers expected these ancient galaxies to be small, misshapen and chaotic. Instead they are largely big, bright and orderly. This is a surprise to those steeped in the theory of an evolving universe.
Dan Coe of the Space Telescope Science Institute told news media, “How does this happen in the universe at such an early time? How do so many stars form so quickly? We are literally learning too much too quickly to contextualize it all, and it will take time to rework previous theories.” If Divine Design (God-created) is on their list of theories, they at least have a chance of getting it right.
In a few places in scripture, believers are pictured metaphorically as stars. Daniel prophetically describes resurrected Tribulation saints. “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Dan. 12:3 NIV) Their wise obedience to the Lord in leading others to faith and righteousness during the future Tribulation period will be rewarded with eternal glory, to shine like heavenly stars.
The apostle Paul exhorts Philippian Christians to “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Phil. 2:14-16a NIV) Their testimony was only effective when they lived sincerely and righteously, standing out in a dark world like shining stars because of their faith in Christ and reliance on the Word of God.
As present day believers, we are also called to shine like stars in this dark world of corruption and sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, empowers us to shine the light of His glorious gospel to those who are blinded from believing in Him by the god of this age, the devil. (2 Cor. 4:4)
Think about what beautiful light the stars give in the night sky, twinkling like a myriad of diamonds flung across black velvet. When we step outside in the evening, we are drawn to gaze up in wonder at their beauty.
God has given us His Spirit within as a light to draw others to Him. As long as we seek Him, learn of Him, emulate Him and allow Him to work in us, our light will shine bright, drawing those who live in darkness to find out about the hope we have.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 4:6 NKJV
(Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI)