“Count the Stars” (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

As human beings, we all need reassurance.  We need reassurance that we are loved . . . that we are wanted . . . that we are cared for . . . that we are necessary and important.  We need that reassurance from others, especially from those who are closest to us . . . spouses, children, family, and friends.  We need the assurance that removes our doubts and fears.  We need to know that we are loved . . . desired . . . and, needed.  We need that reassurance in our lives.

Such was the case for Abram in our reading this morning.  Abram has just rescued his relative, Lot, from captivity from several kingdoms, and now he is contemplating himself and his destiny in the scheme of life.  He has nothing to show for all his wandering despite the constant promises of God . . . no one to inherit his wealth and status . . . no place to call his own.  In his estimation, he has nothing . . . but, God keeps telling him that God has his back . . . that things will work out.  Still, Abram is pretty down in the dumps.  He needs a little pick me up . . . some reassurance.

God tells Abram that he will have an heir to inherit everything . . . a genetic heir, a regular chip off the ol’ block.  In fact, to reassure him, God takes him outside, so he can see the night sky.  The sky is filled with stars for as far as the eye can see.  God proclaims to Abram, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.”  God tells him that this is his promise to him about the lineage of his family.  And, then, a little later, God does the same thing when God sends a burning pot through the animal sacrifices Abram has been told to provide.  God tells him that this will be the land of Abram and his descendants.

What we are witnessing in our reading this morning is God reassuring Abram . . . reassuring Abram that he is loved . . . desired . . . and, needed.  God is taking away the doubts and fears of Abram about the future . . . who his inheritors will be . . . what land will be theirs.  And, the coolest part of the whole act of reassurance—at least for me, comes in the words of God when God says, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.”

How cool is that!  Who among us would not like to hear someone tell us that their love for us is as vast as the heavens above.  And, even cooler, how neat is it that any time that we would need a reminder of that love, we only have to go outside and look to the starry sky to be reminded . . . we are loved . . . desired . . . and, needed.

Think about it.  A popular phrase with the latest generation of parents, especially mothers, that is used to describe their love for their children is, “To the moon and back.”  God tops it all when God points to the night sky . . . points to the stars, and proclaims, “Look up to the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” 

This was the reassurance Abram needed at this point in his journey.  These were the words that he needed to hear . . . especially from God.  Such are the words we need to hear from the God who created us . . . the God who calls us by name . . . the God who loves us . . . desires us . . . and, needs us.  And, these are the words that will reassure us on our journey . . . especially our journey through the season of Lent.

The Lenten journey is a tough journey that we are called to traverse by God.  It is a season filled with self-reflection, self-introspection, and the discernment of what we learn about ourselves as we relate to God, ourselves, and others.  It is a time in which we are confronted . . . challenged . . . and asked to consider what barriers there are in our lives that separate us from God, ourselves, and others.  It is not always pleasant work, and it is often difficult as we struggle.  It is a time in which we wonder . . . are we truly loved, desired, and needed by God, ourselves, and others.  It is a season in which a little reassurance by God and others goes a long way in helping us make the journey.

Even though many think that the official motto of Montana is “Big Sky Country” . . . it isn’t.  Neither is “Treasure State”.  The official motto of Montana is “Oro y Plata” or “gold and silver” in Spanish.  It is on the bottom of the state seal and has been there since 1889.  It wasn’t until 1962 when the State Highway Department did a promotion of the state that it was called “Big Sky Country”.  This is a reference to the unobstructed skyline in the state that seems to overwhelm the landscape at times.  Though it is not the “official” motto of the state, it is the most popular one.  No one is going to argue that the sky does seems to overwhelm here in Montana . . . especially at night.

The Montana night sky is awesome . . . there seem to be stars for as far as the eye can see . . . there are galaxies like the Milky Way . . . there are astronomical formations . . . shooting stars.  In all the directions a person looks the sparkly night sky goes forever and ever and ever.  And, as anyone stands under the heavenly umbrella, it is not hard to be overwhelm with how vast it all is . . . and, how small anyone is in comparison. 

Then we remember . . . we remember the words of God to Abram: “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.”  Such is the love of God for God’s children.  Each and every night the stars are there to remind us of God’s love for each and every one of us.  All we have to do is to look up and begin counting.

During the season of Lent, do not let yourself get down with the work you are doing.  Do not allow the heaviness of the season to weigh you down.  Do not become overwhelmed with feelings of doubt or fear.  Just remember that you live in Big Sky Country . . . look up into the night sky . . . and count.  Count if you can so that you will be reminded and reassured that you are love . . . that you are desired . . . and, that you are needed by God.

How cool is that!  Amen!