83. JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE COULD ADD MORE SPECTATORS

Dear Grandma Donna: The Hubble Telescope has proven that we have a most amazing universe; now the new James Webb Telescope proves that our universe is even more immense than we ever dreamed. How could this information fit into the Bible verse in 1 Corinthians 4:9, that states that we are a spectacle to the world? Love, Savana

Dear Savana: There are reports of red speckled galaxies, sparkling nebulas, and star clusters all brought to view by this amazing telescope. The verse fits into these reports because we see our universe getting bigger, which means there could be even more beings out there to observe the controversy raging on Planet Earth. Hubble had found 100 billion galaxies; James Webb has supposedly found another 100 billion. If there is a planet of beings tucked away in each galaxy, that could be 200 billion planets of inhabitants all observing the happenings on Earth.

And what are they looking at? There is a war between the Father and Satan which began when sin originated in Heaven over six thousand years ago. It revolves around the reputation of God’s character contrasted with the character of Satan. We often assume this battle is about who of the human family God will save, but that misses the reality that the real struggle is between God’s government of love and Satan’s government of fear and coercion.

Lucifer, the most brilliant angel God made, challenged his Creator and along with his angels left heaven to continue the diabolical work on this earth, causing many to have a picture of God as a severe, unforgiving deity.

God had the power to easily destroy Satan and his angels, which seems to be the sensible thing to do, but our Heavenly Father never forces anyone’s will because He only operates from love, mercy and truth. For four thousand years, He allowed Satan to spread the teaching that God is cruel and vindictive. Perhaps there were doubts in the minds of many of the onlooking universe as to what the character of God was really like.

Then God made the ultimate sacrifice. He sent His Son to become a human to reveal the truth about God’s character of love. In a miraculous birth through Mary, the Son of God became our Brother and lived thirty-three and a half years among humanity. Satan attacked Him from birth till death, yet He perfected the ultimate revelation of the love and self-denial of His Father as He went to the cross to suffer and die at the hands of wicked people. Mercy flowed from His lips with His words to His crucifiers, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” The Savior clearly exposed at Calvary the extent to which divine love will stoop to save others. The Father’s secret power is love. Satan relies on force. At the cross, these two stood in sharp contrast. The whole universe observed the crucified Savior contrasted with His vicious foe.

The major purpose of Calvary in light of heaven was to put on display the God of love. While Satan was assaulting Him with every temptation imaginable, the Savior viewed humanity as His prodigal family who He allowed to nail Him to the cross. There is no trace of condemnation, not even a fleeting thought of retribution, only sorrow and forgiveness.

This is the message the Son of God brought to the human family when He came two thousand years ago. “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Me!”

However many beings there are out there in our universe, we don’t know; but Paul tells us that we are a spectacle to the world. That means all of them are observing the controversy between good and evil that is raging on Planet Earth. After the display at Calvary, there can be no doubt in any mind. God’s character of love wins! Satan is fully defeated.

So for you and me—we will make certain to be on God’s side so that the universe will take note that we are among those who prove that God’s way of love is the successful way to live. How thankful we are that our Savior made this wonderful way of living available to all of us here! Love, Grandma Donna


SPICY BLACK BEAN PATTIES
1/2 diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
1 red pepper chopped
1 t oregano
1 T basil
Juice of 1 lime
1 1/2 c oats
3/4 c cooked quinoa
2 T ground flaxseed
Mix ingredients together. Form patties and cook in a sprayed skillet until brown or bake in 375 degree oven 10 minutes each side. Serve as a burger or as the main course of a meal with guacamole on top.