The Heavens Devo
by Kevin Hartnett
“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” –Matthew 19:30
The English word ASTRONOMY is derived from two Greek words: astro meaning “star” and nomos meaning “law” or “arrangement.” Astronomy, then, is literally the study of the laws that govern the order and arrangement of the stars. There are many of these laws, from simple ones like “stars rise in the east and set in the west,” to more complex ones like “the brightness of a star is inversely proportional to its distance squared.” What they all have in common is that they are based on the fundamental laws of physics that govern the material universe. We expect that the planets will stay in their obits because they must inevitably obey the laws of gravity, conservation of energy, angular momentum, and the like. Humans, on the other hand, can choose whether or not they obey certain physical laws. Willfully violating the laws of physics, however, results in sure consequences—here on Earth, it can mean broken bones or hospital visits!
God’s Word is full of spiritual laws that are just as true and reliable as the physical ones. Think of them all: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10); “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38); “He who walks with wise men will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20); and “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Think of all the principles Jesus taught in Matthew 5 at the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . . . Blessed are the meek . . . Blessed are the peacemakers.” We see that the spiritual laws of the kingdom are often contrary to the wisdom of this world: “Love your enemies . . . and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44); “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (23:12); and “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17).
In our flesh, we may not be inclined to follow these spiritual laws naturally—but if we do, we will surely see them deliver what they promise. May God give us wisdom today to see, appreciate, and obey the spiritual laws that He’s ordained in His universe. May we also, out of love for Him, study His Word to better learn the principles that please Him and magnify His name.
© 2011 by Kevin Hartnett
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