A billion uncounted stars in the Milky Way

The heavens declare the glory…

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard…

A billion hiding stars – next door!

Astronomers now say that the diffuse X-ray glow in our galaxy is not generated by hot gas, but rather from star radiation…from stars yet to be counted. It is rather stunning – they estimate roughly a billion stars yet uncounted in our Milky Way galaxy alone!

Impressed yet? You should be. As NASA puts it: “The discovery, if confirmed, [will] have a profound impact on our understanding of the history of our galaxy.” Everything from star-formation and supernova rates to stellar development will have to be re-thought.

And that is from the point of view of science.

But the impact echoes in the heart. Think about this for a moment. Let this sink into your mind: A billion stars hiding in the Milky Way alone. Not to mention the vast reaches of space, those vaunted interstices and strings of galaxies flung across uncharted distance…painted beauty yet unseen, unfathomed.

Now, go one step farther to the confession of Job: “Lord, these are but the outer works of your hands.”

As vast and wonderful as this outer creation in space and time, what does this reflect upon the inner space – the crafted heart and mind and spirit of God’s creatures, made in His image? Have you ever looked into the uncharted reaches of one destined soul, to see the high beauty and calling of God?

If not, what wonders await you!

Let creation call you to praise and introspection. As well it should. There is no speech or language that doesn’t hear the call. Let it echo in you today!

As George Herbert writes, in regard to creation praise: “The heart must bear the longest part.”

Indeed. We must bear our calling. It is our creation intent: Imago Dei. It is our destiny in Him.

Alleluia!

Selah.

Amen!