Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?…When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy! (Job 38.2a, 7, NASB95)

Before the advent of artificial lighting, the stars were a wondrous mystery.  Moonless nights served as invitations to consider the immensity of the treasure sprinkled across the heavenly expanse like diamonds scattered on black sand beaches.  Our ancient ancestors believed in gods other than themselves so the stars stood witness to a perceived reality which inflamed their imaginations. Story after story arose from the hearts of artists as they sought to explain why such smallness could access such grandeur. We were not left to stand, chins upturned, mouth’s agape and eyes unwilling to blink for fear of missing a moment of the extravaganza.  God stepped down and put his arm around the shoulder of the seeker and pointed out the highlights of his creative eminence.  Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, he calls them all by name; because of the greatness of his might and the strength of his power, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40.26, NASB95) As dawn’s light encroached and the faint echoes of the star-song could barely be heard, God’s parting words were surely, “You’ve not seen anything yet.  I will yet blow the minds of your great grandchildren three thousand years from now.”

And he has indeed…keep shouting joyful praise!