Invisible
When’s the last time you looked up at the stars?
Astronomer Kareem El-Badry created a new plot this week (February 22, 2021) of more than a million pairs of binary stars (double stars orbiting a common centre of gravity). You can watch the 3D atlas here.
It’s astounding to think about how many stars there are in our sky – let alone our solar system, galaxy, and universe!
We don’t think about them much, because we cannot always see them.
And even when they’re visible, we aren’t always paying attention. We’re too busy looking down at our phones. Or driving our cars. Or turning on the lights.
When’s the last time you looked up at the stars?
In 2010 I visited the Grand Canyons in Arizona, U.S. with my sister and then-boyfriend Roy. The canyons were spectacular but my favourite moment was when the ranger gave a night-time constellation talk – it was freezing cold but we huddled together to look up at the sky glittering with millions of twinkling stars. It was stunning.
It’s hard to believe that those stars are always there – brilliant, dynamic, burning…
Invisible does not mean silent, still or imaginary.
We just have too much clouding or distracting our vision.
In Hebrews 11, the writer describes faith as
“confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
He goes on to describe individuals of faith who endured sacrifice and suffering because of their faith – for example,
“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27)
Invisible does not mean distant, indifferent, or delusional.
God is working, orchestrating, pleading… for us to take the time to focus, wonder and delight in who He is and what He does.
For whether we acknowledge it or not, He is the bright Morning Star:
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelations 22:16,17
God invites us to come and take a closer look at the invisible –
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19,20
As we see the invisible, may He become visible through us so that others can also see the glory of God.