It's obvious when you look up at the sky at night that the universe is gigantic. It just keeps going and going, as far as the eye can see. Behind one star is another, fading farther and farther into the distance and into the darkness. The heavenly expanse goes beyond what the strongest telescopes can explore, and beyond what radio waves can travel. And the two questions that man has asked from the beginning of time still baffle us today, "Does the universe go on forever? And if not, what's on the other side?"
Both scenarios are mind boggling, and impossible to reconcile in our minds. How could the universe go on forever? Don't think about that too long and hard, you may short-circuit. But just as bewildering, if there is an end, what's on the other side?
Scientists have attempted to come up with all kinds of theories, but there is no definitive answer, just speculation. This mystery is unsolvable, at least in human understanding. But perhaps that's the point. Perhaps this mystery is beyond human understanding, and was designed to be that way.
Humans are naturally inquisitive in nature. So of course we would always attempt to reason how things work or exist. But in reality, neither our minds are intelligent enough or our science accurate enough to have an answer to this quandary. There are really only two positions to take. One is a purely physical explanation that eludes us. One is a purely spiritual explanation that satisfies us. Take your pick. But realize this - neither position can be proven.
That's where faith comes into play. If you're like me, it is definitely a matter of faith. And because of that, this mystery doesn't bother me at all. Faith gives me an understanding that totally puts me at ease with regard to the mystery of the universe. That understanding is this - that God created the universe, and designed it in a way that shows His power and enormity. It's a simple as that.
"By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." (Hebrews 11:3)
For me, that settles it. I'm convinced that God formed the universe exactly as we see it. The stars, the heavens, the sky should be obvious physical evidence for everyone to see and come to the logical conclusion that there is a Creator God, the God who designed and created all things. Maybe that's why God designed the universe as He did, revealing Himself through His creation, which is a reflection of His power and nature.
"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." (Romans 1:20)
I like to look at it this way - the expanse of the universe is God's physical demonstration of a spiritual concept. The physical, seemingly unending universe, is sort of a model of an unending spiritual eternity. Just like an unending physical universe, an unending eternity cannot be reasoned by the human mind.
Do you know what a fantasy of mine is regarding the massive universe? I know it's crazy, but what if the universe does end, and at the very edge, eons away, the physical world morphs into the spiritual? For me, it's fun to imagine such a thing. Maybe where the universe ends, the realm of heaven begins.
Here's what I do know, being a sky-watcher. When I look out into the expanse of the heavens, it prompts me to worship and praise God, and be in awe and wonder of Him.
"Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." (Psalm 65:8)
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