On 12 July, 2022, scientists awaited the first images of deepest space from the new James Webb Space Telescope. The state-of-the-art telescope can look further into the universe than mankind has ever looked before. Suddenly a breathtaking image emerged: a colour space-scape of the Carina Nebula, never before seen like this. One NASA astronomer quoted Carl Sagan, a noted atheist: “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting.”
Sometimes people can look God in the eye and not see Him. But the psalmist David looked into the sky and knew exactly what he was seeing: “You have set your glory in the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). Sagan was right in saying that “something incredible is waiting,” but he failed to acknowledge what David clearly perceived: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them” (vv. 3-4).
When we see images of deepest space, we’re amazed, not so much because of technology, but because we’re witnessing the handiwork of God. We marvel because in the vastness of creation, God has made us “rulers over the works of [his] hands” (v. 6). Indeed “something incredible is waiting”—God, waiting to bring believers in Jesus to Him when He returns. That’s the most breathtaking image of all.
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
What thoughts do you have as you look at images of deep space? How do you experience God in them?
Creator God, I’m amazed at the glory of the heavens and the beauty of Your handiwork. Thank You for caring for me in the midst of Your wondrous creation!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The superscription of Psalm 8 tells us that David wrote this hymn to be sung in temple worship (“For the director of music” and “According to gittith.”) The gittith (see also Psalms 81 and 84) is most likely a kind of stringed instrument (like the guitar) or a musical arrangement. Scholars suggest that as a shepherd boy tending sheep in the open fields, David was inspired by the stars in the night sky to write this praise song. That would explain why there’s no mention of the sun or clouds. Psalm 8 celebrates the majesty and glory of God as Creator ( vv. 2-4) and the dignity and significance of human beings as the crown of God’s creation (vv. 5-8).
K. T. Sim
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