Sermon On The Way To The Stars

Norman Vincent Peale, an American author once remarked: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” Genesis 1:14-18 reminds us: “And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.”

The idiom: "The Way To The Stars" is often used metaphorically, especially in contexts like the RAF motto "Per ardua ad astra" (Through adversity to the stars). Many idioms rely on figurative language, meaning that they use words in a non-literal way to create a more vivid or nuanced meaning. The term essentially symbolizes striving for great achievements, overcoming challenges, or pursuing ambitious goals. The stars themselves can also be metaphorical, representing hope, guidance, or the vastness of possibilities. It can be interpreted in multiple ways, ranging from literal navigation using celestial bodies to metaphorical journeys of self-discovery and conquest. It can represent a physical journey guided by stars, a search for knowledge and understanding, or even a path to achieving greatness.

The way to the stars creates endless possibilities through its focus and objective. Ambition and perseverance emphasize the prospect of setting high goals and aspirations to achieve eminence, they are two important factors in the confined realms of success, suggesting that even if one's ultimate goal is not achieved, striving for it can still lead to significant accomplishments.

In Genesis 15, God promises Abram (later Abraham) that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. This story is often interpreted as a testament to God's faithfulness and the vastness of His promises to Abraham. God brings Abram outside and directs him to look up at the heavens, challenging him to count the stars, if he is able. He then declares that Abram's offspring will be equally countless. Verses 1-6 remind us: “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son[b] shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”

Just like human life, individual stars are varied. They differ significantly in brightness, size, color, temperature, and even their life cycle and behavior. Stars, particularly in the context of the possible fruitfulness of life, are seen as evidence of God's creation and a reflection of His wisdom, sovereignty and guidance. God's guidance, in a religious context, refers to divine direction and wisdom imparted to individuals who seek it. It's a belief that God offers guidance through various means, including the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, and even through differing circumstances and other people. Ultimately, it's about aligning one's life with God's will and purpose. In many faiths, God's guidance isn't a literal, physical path to the stars, but rather a spiritual or metaphorical one. The stars themselves are often seen as symbols of God's power, grandness, and faithfulness, and looking to them can inspire reflection and a sense of awe that leads one closer to the divine.

Additionally, some interpretations suggest that God uses the stars to guide humanity, both physically and spiritually, through periods of darkness and uncertainty. Guidance is essential for navigating life's complexities, offering support in personal, educational, and career development, and promoting well-being. It helps individuals make informed decisions, develop essential skills, and build a strong foundation for future success. John Wooden, an American basketball coach once remarked: “Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.”