Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 40-42; 1 Peter 3
MAXIMize YOUR DAY
We may not be a star in the world’s eyes but we are greater than any star in the eyes of the Star Maker!
I must admit, I do enjoy talent shows like The Voice, American Idol and AGT (America’s Got Talent). It’s amusing to see so many young people (some not so young) with undaunted dreams of becoming a star. Many have deluded themselves, encouraged and entitled by doting, often tone-deaf parents to chase their dreams no matter what others may think. They hear the boos from the crowd and the hard critiques of the judges, and still shake their fist in defiance saying “I’ll show you, you’ll all be begging for my autograph one day!” These people already think of themselves as stars, as idols.
To hotshots like that I would say, “lift your eyes beyond yourselves and the other stars you worship and consider the Star Maker.” Isaiah is amazed at the idolatry of his day, wondering how anyone can compare a man-made idol to the One who made man: “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name? (40:25,26).
I love this section of Isaiah, with its grand, sweeping descriptions of Almighty God. Over 1000 years before the rest of the world realized the earth was round with a surrounding atmosphere, Isaiah declares: He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy (40:22). And just when you are completely humbled by the immensity of God, Isaiah shocks us all with just how personal and loving this God can be.
Chapter 40 marks the change from the 39 “Old Testament” chapters to the last 27 “New Testament” chapters. It foreshadows the gospels with a clear prophecy of John the Baptist (40:3) and numerous prophecies about Jesus (40:2,9-11; 42:1-4,6-7). From this point on in Isaiah we see this loving, tender, redemptive God revealed through the promises of the coming Messiah. Just when we think we are insignificant in His eyes (40:27) we are assured of His personal care for each one of us (40:28-31).
“Lord, it is humbling to think You made the trillions of stars and know each one by name. But if You can do that, it is easy to believe You also know me by name. I may never be a star in the world’s eyes but I am greater that any star in Your eyes. I am loved by the Star Maker!”
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