The Story of the Stars

“The heavens declare the glory of God”! But how?

Well, a study of the twelve constellations won’t foretell your fortune but it will fan the flames of your faith.

The names of the stars in Egyptian, Arabic and Syriac, as well as Hebrew give clues to what the original meaning of those “signs” were. Cancer, for instance, “the crab”, has an original meaning of “to hold close”, “to keep”. Originally it was not a crab at all but a type of sheepfold or inn where wanderers would find safe haven. By the way, since the star cluster at the center of cancer can mean “a manger” I wonder if it might be the first constellation to open the gospel story, followed by Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah picturing the prophecies that preceded Christ’s birth—If so, the constellations would begin their saga at the beginning of the Hebrew year in March or April—But for simplicity’s sake let me follow this outline as it is in the book I am referencing: God’s Voice in the Stars. For every observer they weave a beautiful and timeless story.

This story is for you.

  • Virgo
    tells how Christ came to us as the Incarnate Son of God
  • Libra
    tells how Christ was worthy to pay the balance of our sin debt
  • Scorpio
    tells how Christ suffered in the mortal conflict for the crown
  • Sagittarius (coming up in August!)
    tells how Christ “hit the mark” as conqueror
  • Capricornus (along with Delphinus)
    tells how Christ brought life out of death
  • Aquarius (along with Pegasus)
    tells how Christ will bring satisfaction and blessing
  • Pisces
    tells how Christ brings liberation to the captive
  • Aries
    tells how Christ brings glory out of humiliation
    Note: the sun gradually made its course through Aries, the Lamb, between the first Passover and the Crucifixion
  • Taurus
    tells how Christ will come as Judge
  • Gemini
    tells how Christ will come as King
  • Cancer (along with Ursa Major and Ursa Minor)
    tells how Christ will bring eternal safety to His own
  • Leo
    tells how Christ will bring eternal justice to His enemies

There it is, the story of the ages: written across the sky, un-aged by time, un-erased by a terrestrial tide of change. It can hardly be condensed in a post! They each reach their zenith in a Person: Christ.

3 Comments

  1. Esther Staddon July 29, 2011 at 5:33 am #

    Truly “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

    “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

    We are so privileged to also have the clear Word of God and the testimony of many to point us to Christ. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).

  2. Michael July 29, 2011 at 6:56 pm #

    Fascinating study – I’ve really enjoyed that book God’s Voice in the Stars!

  3. Matthew H August 10, 2011 at 5:40 am #

    Thanks for sharing Donald! That sounds like a neat book – I’ve been interested in the meaning of the stars. Genesis says God placed them in the sky for signs, for seasons, for days, and for years. The days and years makes sense, but it is neat to learn about God’s message in the stars!

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