Use the phrase “Star Wars” and you’ll invoke clear images in the minds of people from just about any nation on the planet. Today let’s explore a few things that happened “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …” – and it’s not just a movie plot.
When “Episode IV – A New Hope” kicked off the Star Wars phenomenon 46 years ago (yes, earthlings, it has been 46 YEARS !!!) the opening crawl introduced us to a world beyond our imaginations with that epic phrase “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …” Now hundreds of millions of fans share the details of major characters, minor characters, bases, battles, interplanetary travel, weapons, spaceships, and on and on and on. And absolutely NONE of it is real. Not one galaxy. Not a single ship, hero or villain.
But there is a REAL war taking place in the stars that actually began a long time ago and far, far away … in heaven.
A long time ago God said, “Let there be light” and He created a universe that, for all we are able to determine, is still growing in size and scope. Current estimates place the galaxy count in His universe at around 2 trillion. That, my friends, is a very big universe! I can’t even begin to comprehend the amount of stars that might be within such a massive universe. That brings me to today’s verse.
THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM THE GLORY OF GOD. THE SKIES DISPLAY HIS CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Some time ago, my family and I were sitting in our backyard at sundown. A brilliant light shined in the still dusky light of the evening sky. We considered what that light might be, wondering which star or planet could generate such a bright light. As it turns out, it was Saturn. We literally sat there for several minutes speaking about stars, planets, and the heavens. The heavens truly do proclaim the glory of God. Their inherent beauty and grace are astounding.
Alongside this heavenly beauty exists an even more beautiful realm that is invisible to our eyes. It is a spiritual realm. A dimension beyond our normal observation. There is a star war occurring there at this very moment. Part of the angelic host that was created by the Almighty has rebelled against Him. Led by lucifer, a former worship leader in heaven, a third of the angels are now in active rebellion against the King of Kings. And the prize being sought is nothing less than worship. Yes, the one who had been selected to lead the worship of God is now trying to take the glory for himself.
When Christ was on earth, lucifer tried multiple times to get Him to worship him. Multiple promises were made. Great riches, amazing honor, almost total control (but not quite). Thankfully, Jesus stood His ground and refused.
So, the heavens always proclaim God’s glory. The skies never stop displaying His craftsmanship. Two thirds of the angelic host unceasingly proclaim His glory. Jesus stood firm and gave glory and honor to His Father in heaven.
But there’s one element of God‘s creation where there’s a question mark as to what THAT element will do. There’s still a question about which side of the war YOU will stand on. And heaven is watching to see what you choose to do.
You see, the heavens are not the only things that display His craftsmanship. Paul the apostle tells us in the book of Ephesians that we, too, are God‘s workmanship. God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God actually prepared in advance for us to do. The good works that He prepared for us, that He equipped us to do – these are the ways that you and I proclaim the glory of God.
The same God who said “Let there be light” has shined in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Jesus is the radiance of the Father’s glory and the exact representation of His nature. Messiah displays and proclaims the glory of God.
And now all heaven stands by to see which side of the battle YOU will join. Whose glory will YOU proclaim with your worship? The cosmos wonders if you will choose the dark side? Or will you give yourself to the King of light and His kingdom?
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. And you and I have choices to make. Will we join with the heavens to proclaim God‘s glory?
Let’s be deliberate about joining the heavens and proclaiming the glory of God. Worship is more than singing a song. Let’s be the displays of his craftsmanship we were designed to be long before this star war began.
THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM THE GLORY OF GOD. THE SKIES DISPLAY HIS CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Will you?
