Signs in Heaven

O. T. #1748  "Signs in Heaven"
August 4, 2020
Jeremiah 10
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

As believers in God, we believe the first chapter of Genesis to be truth. God created the heaven and the earth, as well as the planets, the sun, moon, and stars. The great lights were given for light, measuring time, seasons, providing heat for crops to grow, and warmth for people. The stars should point us to their Creator and amaze us, especially their formations. And then there are eclipses, also, comets. I guess the celestials have always intrigued men. Perhaps that is why they enjoy traveling into the outer space and unknown.

What is God warning us about in our key verse?
First, we are not to learn the ways of the heathens, unbelievers in God. Next, we are not to be dismayed at the signs of the celestial creations. The word dismayed means afraid; discourage.

When we are trusting in our Sovereign God to control all things, that includes those heavenly bodies that He placed in their place for a purpose. They bring Him glory. Aren't we supposed to be astonished at the power and majesty of our God? Our God has done great things.

This song of praise came to my mind as I was studying this chapter:

We sing great are You Lord, for we adore You,
Lift up Your name and fall before You.
We stand in awe and sing, great are You Lord.

LET IT GROW

Why are we warned to not be like the heathens? It is because in Jeremiah's day, they made idols and deities of  the sun, moon, and stars. Thus, they worshiped those, giving them honors, and expecting divine favors from them. When unusual celestial phenomena occurred, the heathens would be dismayed, afraid.
We are told to not be involved in astrology, which is the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planet on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspect. [from Webster's Dictionary]
So that would include reading the horoscopes and be involved in astrological signs. We are to worship the Creator, not the created heavenly beings. Our focus is to be on praising our God Almighty.

LET IT GO

It's Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only.
And all the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You Lord!