Infinite Knowledge

I asked my doctor the other day how many patients he has. He thought about it for a moment and said, “I think about 5,000.” “Wow,” I said. “Can you remember them all?” He assured me that even though he might not remember their names, he would recognize them anywhere. Pretty impressive!

A fellow college teacher of mine is known for his ability to memorize his students’ names. Before his incoming large class is on campus, he studies their pictures and names and calls them by name when they enter his classroom. Another impressive record!

When our grandson was first talking, he memorized all of the names on a huge stack of baseball cards. It was so cute to hear him rattle off the names and never miss. And to be sure, all of the family was impressed with such knowledge in one so young.

We are amazed at such accounts. But here’s something more astounding. God has filled the heavens with stars, and more are being discovered all the time. Psalm 147:4 says “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” Can any man do that? Not only that, but God keeps track of every living creature. That’s true for all of history. Psalm 33:13-15 records this amazing fact: “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth – he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”

Mmm…I wonder how many billions of people that includes. And don’t say, “So what?” Jesus reminded people that it is not just facts that matter. People matter, and that includes each one of us. His words are recorded in Matthew 10:29-31. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

I’m so thankful for that! I don’t understand it, but the Bible assures us that no one can understand God. I don’t have to understand the facts, but I need to believe them by faith. That’s what keeps me going. Even when I’m insufficient in the faith department, God generously supplies what I need, one day at a time.

Are you living in the light of this truth today? Do you see how it makes the difference between despair and hope?