Star-Studded Skyfield

Light in the Window - August 10, 2022
This star-studded image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the heart of the globular cluster NGC 6638 in the constellation Sagittarius. The star-strewn observation highlights the density of stars at the heart of globular clusters, which are stable, tightly bound groups of tens of thousands to millions of stars.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Cohen
Dear Covenant Family,
 
Last week in worship, we read the story of God’s “conversation” with Abram (later re-named Abraham), which included the instruction to look up into the sky and count the stars. Abraham is a spiritual ancestor for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He is an earthy, imperfect, complex character in the Bible. Sometimes he seems to willingly (and mindlessly) obey, other times he argues/bargains with God but ends up doing what God asks anyway. Later in his story, Abraham sends a young woman and her child out into the desert, lies about his marriage to Sarah, and walks his son up a mountain carrying a knife until God provides a lamb. Sometimes I read parts of his story in admiration, other times I cringe at his actions. He is a man on a journey with God from cradle to grave, a sojourner who was told “do not be afraid” even though he would find himself and his family members in terrifying circumstances.

In the New Testament book of Hebrews, Abraham features prominently, and his obedience in the face of uncertainty is recognized as righteousness. The author of Hebrews says -Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we do not see. The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith. By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

The image above is one of many awe-inspiring images from the Hubble Telescope which reveal what we formerly could not see in the universe, even in the darkest sky. Yet God told Abraham to look up and count the stars, a vision he surely carried with him throughout his long life. How patient God is with us, slowly allowing us to see a glimpse of mystery, a facet of faith, a kernel of truth. We look up in wonder at a star-studded night sky and offer our prayers of thanks to the God of all creation. We think about our own ancestors in all their complexity. We acknowledge that faith is being on the journey with God, even in the face of uncertainty.

I invite you to read the scripture below and the questions for reflection. Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to share your story. And never lose your sense of wonder at a star-studded sky! 

Peace,
Pastor Jessie
Genesis 15:1-6
 
After these events, the Lord’s word came to Abram in a vision, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your protector. Your reward will be very great.” But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you possibly give me, since I still have no children? The head of my household is Eliezer, a man from Damascus.” He continued, “Since you haven’t given me any children, the head of my household will be my heir.”

The Lord’s word came immediately to him, “This man will not be your heir. Your heir will definitely be your very own biological child.” Then he brought Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars if you think you can count them.” He continued, “This is how many children you will have.” Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.

Questions for reflection:
 
  1. What thoughts, feelings, or questions arose as you read this text?
  2. When have you questioned God’s promises? Where did that dialogue with God lead you?
  3. Who have you looked to as a model of faithfulness during difficult times?
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