Genesis 15:5 – [God] took [Abram] outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." (NIV)

I've just read a fascinating article about an inter-galactic collision that will take place four billion years from now between our own Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. Billions upon billions of stars will either collide or closely pass by one another over a time period of more than a billion years. The article is based upon a study that NASA has released. Even to think about such a cataclysmic event is absolutely staggering to my feeble mind. The astronomers who have completed their observations, done their research, and completed the math are amazing scientists. We certainly won't be on this side of life when the collision occurs, so perhaps we will witness it as the equivalent of a divine Fourth of July fireworks display on a heavenly scale.

When God takes old Abram outside to show him the night sky and tells him that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, I find that equally amazing and fascinating. It tells me that when God makes a promise, He not only keeps His word, but He also blesses and fulfills it as wonderfully as He possibly can. The majority of the religious people on the earth today can trace their spiritual roots to this moment of God's magnificent blessing. Billions of people — Jews, Christians, and Muslims — find their religious ancestry in Abram of old. God's promise, made thousands of years ago, has found its fulfillment in today's world. This also tells me that God not only works in mysterious ways, but He also has a great patience in fulfilling His work of salvation.

Questions for personal reflection:

Where do my religious roots originate?
How does my faith-sharing with others expand this ancient blessing?

Prayer: Almighty Creator, when we gaze upon the stars in the night sky, we are struck with wonder and awe. Your works are amazing, and we feel both humbled and privileged to be creatures of Your making. May we continue to bless and praise You throughout the days of our lives. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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