The God Who Counts the Stars

 One of the most amazing contrasts in Scripture is found in Psalm 147.

The psalmist writes:

"The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."

— Psalm 147:2-4

Think about that for a moment.

The God who counts the stars is the same God who heals broken hearts.

If we were inventing a religion, we might assume that a God great enough to govern the universe would be too busy to concern Himself with the struggles of ordinary people.

The psalmist says otherwise.

The One who knows every star by name also knows every wound, every tear, and every burden carried by His people.

The same hand that placed the stars in the heavens binds up the brokenhearted.

As Christians, it is difficult to read these verses without thinking of Jesus Christ.

The Creator entered His creation.

The One who called the stars by name was born in a manger.

The One who upholds all things by His power was rejected by His own people.

The One who gathers the outcasts became an outcast Himself.

Hebrews reminds us that Christ suffered "without the gate." He was crucified outside the city, rejected by the religious leaders of His day. Yet through His rejection He opened the door for sinners to be gathered to God.

The God who gathers outcasts became the rejected One.

The God who heals broken hearts endured a broken heart.

The God who numbers the stars allowed Himself to be numbered among transgressors.

What a Savior.

Psalm 147 reminds us that God's greatness and God's compassion are not opposites. They are joined together perfectly in Him.

Because His understanding is infinite, no problem is too difficult for Him.

Because His love is infinite, no wounded heart is too small for Him.

The next time you look up at the night sky, remember this:

The God who knows every star by name knows your name as well.

And He has not forgotten you.