Sermon Central
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Consider The Heavens
Contributed by Randy Marshall on Jul 20, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Recently, the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the words heard from the surface of the moon, "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." On the journey, there were also two significant spiritual events.
On July 23rd as the three astronauts hurled back toward earth. On the last night before their splashdown, they participated in a televised broadcast. The second man to step on the moon, Buzz Aldrin commented:
“This has been far more than three men on a mission to the Moon; more, still, than the efforts of a government and industry team; more, even, than the efforts of one nation. We feel that this stands as a symbol of the insatiable curiosity of all mankind to explore the unknown...
During his televised broadcast, Buzz Aldrin, a man of deep faith and a Presbyterian Elder further expressed his thanks as the craft headed home:
He said, “Personally, in reflecting on the events of the past several days, a verse from Psalms comes to mind: ‘When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the Moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man that
Thou art mindful of him?’"
Though we may never be able to step on the moon and experience the out of this world views of our universe, we can learn a few things from God’s Word and this incredible experience on how we view life – both the ordinary and extraordinary.
Look at this ancient Passage from Psalm 8:3-4
“When I consider the heavens…”
David, who is thought to be the writer of this Psalm is looking into the night sky and marveling at creation.
As a shepherd, surely this was a common occurrence. As the sheep were settled and as he was able to take time to relax and reflect, he would have undoubtedly taken time to look around at the night sky and marvel in the distant lights.
In our fast-paced, busy world, we need to stop, ponder, and consider
1. Consider the vast expanse of the universe
Take time to look and consider the vastness around us - the immensity of space.
Where did all of this vastnesss come from?
Psalmist – Hand of God – “the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars you put in place.”
Look to the book of Genesis – Opening words say, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” No need for introduction – simply God created. Throughout Genesis 1 and 2 – God speaks the heavens, the earth, the animals, humans into existence.
God is not only the God of the heavens, but also the God of all creation.
Psalm 8:1 – O Lord our Lord your majestic name fills the earth, your glory is higher than the heavens.
The heavens not only display the glory of the universe but the glory of the creator of the universe.
We sit back and marvel at the vastness and the wonder of God – Take time to consider the vast expanse of the universe.
2. Consider our smallness in the cosmos
Who is man?
In the cosmos, we are merely a speck of a speck
Considering the vastness of the universe and our place in the universe can be humbling, however, it is a good reality check.
The vastness of the heavens reminds us: God is God and we are not.
When we as mere mortals can somehow deny that there is a God and deny his existence, we will stumble our way through life.
This misguided pride has been an issue since the Garden of Eden.
Even true for God’s people
Old Testament Job – Point of Frustration, questioning God – God speaking to him from a whirlwind reminds Job of His place. Even in his pain, it was an indictment to his
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man, I will question you and you shall answer me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- while the morning stars sang all together and the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38 1-7
Continued with these questions throughout Ch 38 and 39.
Job 40: Job replies, “I am nothing, how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing else to say.
When we stop and consider, we find that we also cover our mouth in wonder and praise. Though we have questions, we need to come to the conclusion that He is God and we are not.
NT – Paul – describing a life-changing heavenly experience that gave him a new perspective. Speaking in the third person he says,
2 Corinthians 12:2-5 - “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know–God knows. And I know that this man–whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know but God knows–was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except my weaknesses”
