Naming things gives ownership. God not only numbered the stars, but He also NAMED them because he owns them. Psalm 147:4 says, “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.” Isaiah 40:25,26 says this, “Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number, who calls them all by name, and by the greatness of his might and the strength of his power; and not one is missing.”
How does the God of the heavens and the earth introduce Himself? Isaiah 42:8 quotes God, “I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another nor My praise to carved images.”
We can be encouraged by knowing God’s power and might, His love and His grace. Isaiah 43:1b says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine.”
Although these words were originally spoken to Israel, we in the church age can apply God’s words to us because Jesus bridged the gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Like teen years bridge the gap from childhood to adulthood, so God’s words cross the bridge from the land of Law to the land of Grace. God’s word does not stop at one end of the bridge as though that was the end of its journey.
God’s Word goes on to say, “And those on earth who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like Eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) This promise is personalized to every individual who believes. The people of the Old Testament era looked forward to the promised Savior; we in the New Testament age look back on Jesus’ mission for the redemption of man that is now accomplished.
And to the people of the world at the end of the age, John tells us his account when he heard a voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God.” A nearly identical promise was given to Israel in Ezekiel 37:27,28 “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
God’s plan and his purpose for the end of the age are set in motion. World events to bring about the end of the age must first take place and are now on the move. Some people say that they think the word is world is falling apart, but believers know that things are falling into place.
God will gather the redeemed to Himself, and we will not be a rebellious or sinful people anymore. We will be conformed to the image of his Son. We will be made spotless and without blemish or wrinkle as a bride is before her groom.
Therefore, beloved, let the God of the heavens and the earth and all creation strengthen and encourage you. “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13)
“The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken”. (Isaiah 40:5) “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even they who pierced him.” And when all is said and done, “He will wipe away every tear.” (Revelation 21:4)