The Heavens Declare The Creator’s Glory
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV)
This was by no means the first reference to stars in God’s word. Genesis 1:14-18 states that the Great Creator God Himself created them for signs and seasons. Constellation references can be found in the book of Job (see Job 9:1-10).
“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” asked Job (Job 38:31-32).
We are not to worship the stars but the Creator Himself, as we read in Amos 5:8, “Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name.”
Again showing God’s sovereignty, we read in Isaiah 40:26, “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” Where does this put black holes? There is good reason to think that the present well known Greek names for the many of the constellations are NOT the original titles and a closer look at charts of the heavens reveals names of Hebrew and Arabic origin.
Some believe that the original constellation names depicted God’s master plan of salvation which was to be fulfilled at the proper time by The Word made flesh—Christ Jesus. One commentator, E.W. Bullinger, says, “The Greek Mythology is an interpretation of (only some of) the signs and constellations after their true meaning had been forgotten. It is popularly believed that Bible truth is an evolution from, or development of, the ancient religions of the world, but the fact is that they themselves are a corruption and perversion of primitive truth!”
Let us marvel, as the opening lines of a well-known carol, verse two depicts: “Low within the manger lies, He who built the starry skies.” His star was for a sign to the wise men from the east. In closing, let’s look at another star quote: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to marvel at your handy-work and especially that the Word by whom all things were made, became one of us: Your only begotten son, Our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.
Amen
Study by John Armstrong
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