If we have good vision we are capable of seeing about 5,000 stars on a clear night. That is hardly a good start. The latest calculation of astronomers for the total number of stars in the universe is 70 sextillion. That is a seven with twenty-two zeros. That is more than the grains of sand on planet earth. How overwhelmingly provincial to think we are the only intelligent life forms in all the vastness of space.
The Bible speaks of a huge host of intelligent beings that do not live on earth. Revelation 5:11 reads, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne . . .” According to the next verse they are there for a special reason. Verse 12 says, “In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’”
There is so much for us to see. Today a telemarketer tried to sell me a trip to Orlando by telling me, “You will never again see so much for so little if you buy this travel package.” I don’t think so. I have news for him. There are 70 sextillion places to go and the cost has already been covered. Revelation 7:9 reads, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.” Now that is a trip no one should miss.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 5, 2003
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